The under-representation of women in cinema belongs to the broader issue of gender equality that involves different areas: from the labor market as a whole, to the world of scientific research, to top management positions in the private sector, to presence on boards of directors, to wage differences. But it also extends to other aspects of social life, from access to funding, to the distribution of family responsibilities, to representation. In its report on the subject, UNESCO reminds us, among other things, that creativity is not gender-neutral and that inequalities in the creative sector reflect the structural barriers present in other economic sectors and in society in general.
DEA, Women and Audiovisual
In the audiovisual sector, inequalities are evident, as already highlighted by some pilot research such as that conducted within the European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA):
– 88% of publicly funded Italian films are directed by men. Only 12% have female directors.
– 79% of films produced by RAI were directed by men. Therefore, only 21% of films produced by RAI have a female director.
– 90.8% of films that reach cinemas are directed by men. Less than 10% (9.2%) of films directed by women reach cinemas.
As long as the film industry continues to offer narratives and representations of the world from an essentially male point of view, we will remain a sexist and patriarchal society. Italy ranks 127th (out of 144) in terms of equal economic treatment in the workplace, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2016.
The DEA project complements the research of the EWA network, which has already produced important data on Italy; during the project, still largely unexplored paths will be developed:
– Analysis of research in Europe and worldwide
* Gap & Ciak Report – Gender gaps in work and the audiovisual industry
– Analysis of data collected by professional associations
* database of professionals in the audiovisual world
– Interviews on the life stories of women and men in cinema and documentary
* What factors hinder the access and success of female talent?
– Recommendations to policymakers
* How to give a chance to women’s determination and quality
The professional roles and genres selected for the study are:
* Direction
* Assistant direction
* Screenwriting
* Adaptation
* Production (independent)
• Genres
* Narrative cinema
* Documentary
* Animation
A Scientific Committee with advisory, expertise, scientific support, design, and participation functions in the dissemination of results achieved in research activities.
The committee is composed of:
Maura Misiti IRPPS/CNR;
Adele Menniti IRPPS/CNR;
Mariangela Barbanente, DOC/IT;
Stefania Casini, Vice President of DOC/IT;
Ilaria A. Depascalis, Roma Tre University;
Jole Giannattanasio, Directorate General for Cinema – MIBACT;
Massimo Guastini, communication consultant – copywriter & partner @ cOOkies adv;
Andrea Marzulli, SIAE;
Veronica Pravadelli, Roma Tre University.
3 research reports
1 policy brief containing recommendations
Production of audiovisual material related to project themes
Meetings with policy and decision makers