Posted Monday 08 Oct 2018
The organisers of the Oscars have announced a programme of new initiatives geared toward encouraging female filmmakers. Called Action: The Academy Women's Initiative, it includes a one-year fellowship for women filmmakers and executives, a lunch that will bring together women across the industry, and a directory aimed at improving female networking and hiring opportunities. The announcement follows pressure from women in the movie industry for stronger voices, better pay and more jobs behind and in front of the camera. You'll remember the sad statistics from the June Directors Guild of America report which showed that only 16% of the 651 movies released in the United States in 2017 were directed by women.