Yes I am a female and yes I am a filmmaker, no I am not a female filmmaker. See, the difference to me is very distinct. Many times we play up to this idea that we must mold into the fact that we are female filmmakers. And while that embodies a proud and feminist spirit, why can’t we be just filmmakers? Contrary to my belief, unfortunately, placing the adjective that differentiates male from female has been used in a negative connotation many times before. “You throw like a girl.” That’s my favorite. Not really. Last time I checked, when I played sports in high school I could keep up with the guy next to me if not beat him.
It’s an accomplishing feeling to realize you can make it in a “man’s world.” Now, I’m not saying all of this to downplay the man or pretend I’m any better than the next guy just because I am a girl, because that would be hypocritical. No, that is not my intention. Similar to today’s social views, equality is more the message I’m aiming for here. I want to be judged solely on my talent and in today’s entertainment world that is somewhat of a large request. This is not impossible by any standard because the world has plenty of talented people willing to recognize a talented woman with admiration of her ability. However, I want to let my talent speak for itself. With that being said, I never want to fall back on the idea that I am in fact a woman. I never want to lack in ability and hope that my female essence will compensate for it through grace and charm.
Personally, I see women as having a unique emotional connection to their work and their crew. Naturally, women are more emotional beings and have an empathetic spirit toward their surroundings. This ability plays a vital role in the outcome of the art. Being a director, women have the advantage of illustrating in their work the emotion they wish to convey to their audience. The role emotion plays in a filmmaker’s work is one that is most crucial to the level of compatibility the audience will have with the film. The audience can connect with the art on another level if they can find the emotion that is conveyed, which is ultimately conveyed by the director pointing the film in a specific direction.
I stand proud to be both a female and filmmaker and proud that my feminist spirit is guiding me through the entertainment waters. There is no weakness in playing in a man’s world and there is no shame in conquering it. Being a filmmaker that is female is something to be proud of and a foundation that provides stability and sophistication. Moreover, being a filmmaker and a female is a powerful combination.