Female Film-Makers Still Squeezed Out of Industry, LFF Director Says 2026

The female film-makers still being squeezed out of the industry as they progress beyond their debut films is a pressing issue highlighted by the London Film Festival director. Kristy Matheson’s comments came as LFF announced its full programme for this year’s event, which runs from 7 to 19 October. Of the 251 titles, 109 (43%) are made by female film-makers, but only two of the 21 gala films are directed by women.

This disparity is not unique to LFF. The Venice film festival faces renewed scrutiny over its lack of female directors in the competition. Maggie Gyllenhaal, the president of the Venice jury, said on Wednesday that there was a “systemic problem” preventing women from getting opportunities, including access to financing.

The Persistent Gender Gap in Film Directing

Matheson emphasized that programmers had no difficulty finding strong films by women at the beginning of their careers, but numbers declined sharply thereafter. “The statistics are not where you would want them to be,” she said. “We have no problem finding incredible films by female directors. We could make a whole Sutherland competition [recognising directorial debut] easily and have only female directors.”

However, the trend is clear: short films and first features showcase immense talent, but second films see a noticeable drop-off. This is not a new phenomenon, but as Matheson notes, “the dial does not seem to be moving.”

Industry Statistics and Comparison

To understand the scope of the issue, let’s look at the numbers from major film festivals:

These figures highlight a systemic issue that extends beyond individual festivals. The lack of female representation in top-tier galas and competitions is a reflection of broader industry challenges.

Why Female Film-Makers Face Barriers

Several factors contribute to the decline in opportunities for female directors after their debut:

• Access to financing: Women often struggle to secure funding for second and subsequent films.
• Systemic bias: Unconscious biases in decision-making processes at studios and funding bodies.
• Lack of mentorship: Fewer established female directors to support emerging talent.
• Career interruptions: Family responsibilities disproportionately affect women in the industry.

These barriers are not insurmountable, but they require concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

What Can Be Done to Support Female Film-Makers

To address this imbalance, industry leaders and audiences can take proactive steps:

• Increase funding opportunities specifically for women directors.
• Promote transparency in hiring and selection processes.
• Encourage festivals to set quotas or targets for female representation.
• Provide mentorship and networking programs for women in film.

By implementing these measures, the industry can move towards a more equitable future.

FAQ

As the film industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the systemic barriers that female film-makers face. By shining a light on these issues and advocating for change, we can ensure that talent is recognized regardless of gender.

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