Introduction
Cinema is an art that has evolved over more than a century. In its beginnings, it was an industry that marginalized women, other races and different ideologies. However, nowadays, cinema has become a refuge for diversity, where all minorities are represented in series and films.
A path towards equality
Today, audiovisual content is produced all over the world and more opportunities are provided to traditionally excluded people, such as women and the LGTBQ+ community. Although significant progress has been made, there is still much to be done to break the glass ceiling and achieve real equality of opportunity in the film industry.
Recognition of women in Spanish cinema
In Spanish cinema, women have obtained important recognition in recent years. For example, Estíbaliz Urresola won the Goya award for best new director for his film ‘20,000 species of bees’. This award has been won by women consecutively since 2017. Although these achievements are significant, it is important to continue working so that women have more opportunities and are recognized in all categories of the Goya awards.
Female talent crosses borders
The talent of Spanish women directors is not limited only to national cinema. Directors such as Arantxa Echevarría, with her film ‘Chinas’, and Pilar Palomero, with ‘La Maternal’, have achieved success both nationally and internationally. Even Carla Simón won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale with her film ‘Alcarrás’. These autobiographical stories give voice to groups that previously did not have representation in cinema.
Challenges and advances in the industry
Despite the achievements made, the employability of women in the audiovisual sector is still low. In 2015, only 26% of people working in the film industry were women. Although this figure has increased slightly in recent years, there is still much to be done to achieve true gender equality. Continued work is needed to break the glass ceiling and ensure that women have the same opportunities as men in film.
The role of society and administrations
Society and administrations have a fundamental role in promoting gender equality in cinema and other branches of culture. It is necessary to continue making a joint effort to guarantee that all people, regardless of their gender, have the same opportunities in the audiovisual field. Talent and work should be the only criteria to define people as professionals.
Conclusions
Cinema is a powerful tool to promote diversity and gender equality. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still much to be done to ensure that all people have equal opportunities in the film industry. It is the responsibility of society and administrations to continue working together to achieve true gender equality in cinema and in all branches of culture.
