Kristen Stewart Expresses Fury Over Hollywood's Regression for Women
Kristen Stewart has stated she is “so angry” that progress for women in the film industry have reversed after a brief period of positive change following the MeToo movement.
Stewart, who helmed the upcoming film The Chronology of Water, gave an emotional address at a female-focused event in Los Angeles organized by the Oscars organization.
“The regression from a brief moment of advancement is statistically devastating,” she told the audience. “Such a pitiful number of films from the past year have been made by women.”
A yearly study that monitors the presence of female filmmakers stated that eleven of the highest-grossing films of last year were helmed by female directors, a decrease from sixteen in 2020.
‘Male-Dominated Industry Model’
In her address, Stewart said: “After the MeToo movement, it appeared likely that stories made by and for women were at last receiving recognition. That we could be permitted or even supported to share our views and our common stories, every aspect of our lives without filter.
“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it requires at each stage when the material is too dark, too controversial, when the honesty with which it presents insights about experiences routinely experienced by women, frequently provokes aversion and dismissal.”
She continued: “We can talk about wage gaps and taxes on tampons and measure [inequality] in many measurable forms. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I can eat this podium with a utensil and sharp tool. I’m furious.”
Attendees hearing Stewart’s address included several prominent actresses.
Stewart was met with multiple ovations during the duration of her seven-minute speech.
“I appreciate you,” she said. “I am not grateful a boys’ club business model that claims to desire to associate with us while siphoning our resources and belittling our true perspectives. We must avoid being used as tokens. Let’s start printing our own currency.”
Upcoming projects from a few women filmmakers are in the running for the next Academy Awards, but the best director category is once again expected to be male in majority.
