Gender Equality in Film

I couldn’t help but over hear a recent conversation by “Christian” filmmakers chatting about how most family films are made by men. The conversation took a turn for the worse when one stated that women had no place in the business. It took every ounce of strength I had to not barge into a conversation that I should not have been privy to.

Having just come off of “Family Law”, which was produced by a woman and starred a woman, I was disappointed that those men weren’t instead talking about how to empower more women to get into the industry. After all, women purchase the majority of all entertainment products and a female producer would have a good handle on whether or not the director understands the market segment receiving the film’s release.

I’m fortunate to have two friends that offer hands on film training in Colorado (Some day I should probably introduce them to each other). These women understand the language of film and train both men and women equally. The outcome of the week to two-week sessions is a video that enters the marketplace. They are both providing a great service to all who participate and I’ve seen several women step up to the challenge and fun.

Regardless of my feelings toward the men’s comments about women in film, it is true that women are seldom found in key roles like directing. In Fact, Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) was the first woman in the 82-year history of the Oscars to win Best Director.

However, God gives equal opportunity to everyone. One of my favorite verses states:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Male or female can ask God for wisdom regardless of their faults and receive it. There is nothing more equal than that. In fact, the only inequality that might be present is the person’s own choice to not ask. That is up to them.

And, if they choose not to ask numerous times over the years and then learn that there is a great divide between genders, they should not try to hinder the other gender to regain equality, but should instead start asking for wisdom. The equality is in the gift God provides ALL of us, not in how we try to limit or manage others in the name of equality.

Ah, I suppose I should step down from my soapbox for a moment.

If you’re a woman interested in becoming a director or producer, I suggest you ask God for wisdom in how to do it. And then, go do it, trusting Him to provide that wisdom as you go.