Male Dominated Film Industry...Changing?

     The media industry continues to struggle with gender equality. The readings illustrate just how underrepresented women are in different types of media positions and how women face constant career barriers. The readings made me think of the excitement that took place at the 2010 Oscar Awards when Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director.

    In the 82 year existence of the Oscar Awards there have only been four women nominated for Best Director. Recently, Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win Best Director for her film, The Hurt Locker. Bigelow comments on being a female in the current filmmaking industry and states, "There's really no difference between what I do and what a male filmmaker might do. I mean we all try to make our days, we all try to give the best performances we can, we try to make our budget, we try to make the best movie we possibly can. So in that sense it's very similar. On the other hand, I think the journey for women, no matter what venue it is - politics, business, film - it's a long journey.” Actor Jeremy Renner, staring in The Hurt Locker, commented on Bigelow’s response during her interview. He states, “Kathryn Bigelow doesn’t make movies with her mammaries or ovaries. She does it through her eyes, and what have eyes got to do with her physiological womanhood?” ( Sounds like something Pamie from the "Magical Vulva of Opportunity" article would say). If you are interested in watching parts of her interview check this out- Interview.

    I would argue that as a society we are still a long way off from gender equality, especially when it comes to male-dominated fields like the film industry.Why does the industry continue to resist dealing with this issues of gender equality in the media? Kathryn is proof that we can keep breaking down those barriers. I do question whether or not women can bridge the gap of gender inequality or if the statistics and history prove that things will never again be even. Hopefully Kathryn Bigelow is just the first of many female Best Director winners 
to come.