Key facts
- Female filmmakers are still being excluded from the industry as they progress beyond their debut films, according to London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson.
- Of the 251 titles at this year's London Film Festival, 109 (43%) are made by female filmmakers, but only two of the 21 gala films are directed by women.
- Matheson noted that while it's easy to find strong debut films by women, the numbers drop significantly for second and subsequent films.
- The disparity is particularly visible in higher-profile sections of the festival, such as the gala section.
- The festival will feature screen talks with various prominent figures including Andrew Scott, Ava DuVernay, and Sofia Coppola.
Female filmmakers continue to face significant barriers in the film industry, particularly as they advance in their careers beyond initial projects, according to Kristy Matheson, the director of the London Film Festival (LFF).
Matheson's remarks coincide with the announcement of the LFF's full program, which runs from October 7 to 19. While 43% of the 251 films featured are by women, only two of the 21 gala films are directed by women. This statistic echoes concerns raised at the Venice Film Festival, where jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal described a "systemic problem" hindering women's opportunities, including access to financing.
Matheson observed that LFF programmers easily find strong films by female directors at the start of their careers, but the numbers decline sharply for second and subsequent films. "The statistics are not where you would want them to be," she stated, noting that the issue is not new and the "dial does not seem to be moving."
The disparity is particularly evident in the festival's more prominent sections, with fewer female filmmakers represented in the gala lineup. Matheson questioned how many female directors are afforded the opportunity to make big-budget or multiple films.
The festival's program itself explores themes of labor, community, and political history. It opens with Simon Stone's 'Elsinore,' starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, and closes with Jesse Eisenberg's 'The Debut,' featuring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. Other films delve into topics such as social care, unionizing, and historical events, including Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of The Sun and the eve of the 1973 coup in Chile.
Additionally, the festival will host screen talks with notable figures like Ava DuVernay, Cynthia Erivo, and John Malkovich, among others.