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Female Directors Face Hurdles in European Cinema
🇸🇮 Slovenia /Culture & Society

Female Directors Face Hurdles in European Cinema

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Films by acclaimed female directors will screen at the Summer Cinema in the Karst region until the end of August.
  • Data shows that only 27% of European feature films made between 2020 and 2024 were directed by women, with budgets 40% lower than those of male directors.
  • Director Julie Delpy noted that she rarely receives scripts, especially after directing '2 Days in Paris,' feeling sidelined in the industry.

The Summer Cinema in the Karst region is showcasing films by renowned female directors, including Julie Delpy, Isabel Coixet, Susanne Bier, and Claire Denis, throughout August. This programming highlights a persistent issue in the film industry: the challenges faced by women directors.

Statistics reveal a significant gender disparity. Between 2020 and 2024, only 27% of European feature films were directed by women. Furthermore, films directed by women had average budgets that were 40% lower than those directed by men, indicating a substantial financial gap.

Director Julie Delpy shared her personal experience, stating that she receives fewer scripts, particularly after her directorial debut, '2 Days in Paris.' She explained, "From then on, I was written off. First, you turn down some influential men. Then you start directing films. And that's where the story ends." This sentiment underscores the systemic obstacles that female filmmakers continue to encounter in gaining opportunities and securing funding for their projects.

From then on, I was written off. First, you turn down some influential men. Then you start directing films. And that's where the story ends.

— Julie DelpyDirector Julie Delpy explains the difficulties she faced in receiving scripts after directing '2 Days in Paris.'
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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