Influence of Women in Cinema – Toronto International Film Festival

Marie Nicola aka Karmacake will be covering the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for ADDICTED Magazine. Her unique perspective as a trend forecaster and pop culture historian will bring a fresh and insightful lens to coverage of this landmark event.  Marie’s expertise in dissecting complex topics and presenting them in simple, relatable terms, and her focus on historical context, particularly the roots of pop culture reminds us that our current world is indeed a product of our past.

September marks the return of Canada’s premiere cultural event, the Toronto International Film Festival.  Our 2024 Film Festival coverage will highlight the importance of this film festival as a pop culture historical marker and to attract those curious to learn more about the broader context of these events beyond simply the movies being premiered.

 

Women’s Influence in Cinema: From Silent Struggles to Celluloid Dreams

In cinema’s early days, silent films spoke volumes, with women serving as the unseen architects of this emerging art form. Often overlooked, women were not just participants but pioneers, shaping the industry’s foundation. Their stories, now obscured by time, extend beyond actresses to include directors, producers, and writers who built Hollywood. Among these forgotten names is Alice Guy-Blaché, the first female director credited with over 1,000 films and a pioneer in narrative storytelling and special effects. Lois Weber, one of the highest-paid directors of her time, used her films to address social issues, from birth control to poverty. Dorothy Arzner, the only female director in Hollywood during the 1930s, broke barriers with her innovative techniques and strong female characters. Yet, as the industry evolved, these trailblazers were systematically pushed out, their contributions obscured.

 

Growth & Exclusion

The film industry’s growth led to a diminishing role for women. The advent of big studios and cinema’s commercialization resulted in a male-dominated industry. Women, once directors, producers, and writers, found themselves relegated to lesser roles. The industry’s shift towards a business-oriented model marginalized women’s creative contributions. This exclusion was not just a professional setback; it had profound societal implications.

The transition to sound in films, known as the “talkies” revolution, required significant investment in new technology and infrastructure. These financial demands further consolidated control among wealthy male studio heads. During this period, women faced systemic financial restrictions that limited their ability to compete. Access to credit and bank loans was a significant barrier. Until the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974, women in the United States often needed a male co-signer—typically a husband, father, or brother—to secure a loan or credit card. This financial dependency made it difficult for women to independently fund film projects or invest in the necessary technology for sound films.

Before the male takeover, women in film were often depicted as complex, multifaceted characters. Films like Weber’s “Suspense” and Guy-Blaché’s “The Consequences of Feminism” showcased women in strong, independent roles. However, as men took control, the portrayal of women became more stereotypical and one-dimensional. The femme fatale and the damsel in distress became common tropes, reflecting and reinforcing societal views of women as either dangerous or helpless. This shift in portrayal was not merely a reflection of societal attitudes; it actively shaped them, reinforcing gender biases and contributing to the continued oppression of women in society.

The Hays Code, implemented in the 1930s, imposed strict moral guidelines on Hollywood films, shaping the portrayal of crime, sex, and morality for decades. This code reflected and reinforced conservative societal norms, promoting traditional gender roles and limiting the representation of marginalized groups. The nostalgic longing for a perceived ‘simpler’ past, often depicted in early cinema under the Hays Code, resonates with far-right ideologies today. This wistfulness for traditional values and resistance to progressive changes can be traced back to the cultural narratives reinforced by the Hays Code. While the Hays Code alone did not create the conditions for the rise of the far right, it contributed to a cultural framework that idealized certain conservative values, influencing contemporary political movements that seek to return to those ‘golden’ eras.

In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of women in film. Directors like Kathryn Bigelow, Ava DuVernay, and Greta Gerwig have gained recognition for their work, challenging the male-dominated narrative. The #MeToo movement has also brought attention to the systemic issues within the industry, leading to calls for greater representation and equality. While progress has been made, the struggle for autonomy and recognition continues. The history of women in film is a testament to resilience and creativity. Despite the challenges and setbacks, women have continued to shape and influence the industry.

Comparing the influence of women in American cinema with other film industries reveals intriguing contrasts. In countries like France and Sweden, women have historically wielded more influence in film. Sweden, in particular, stands out due to its progressive stance on gender equality, which has deep roots in the early 20th century. During this period, as Swedish society was undergoing significant social and political changes, women were increasingly entering the workforce and gaining visibility in public life. This societal shift created an environment where women could take on roles in cinema management and film production, areas traditionally dominated by men.

Iconic Director Lois Weber

In contrast, the United States experienced a more complex and slower shift. While the early 20th century did see the emergence of the “New Woman”—a term that encompassed modern understandings of femininity and greater public presence through work, education, and politics—American women faced significant barriers.

Cultural norms, legal restrictions, and limited educational opportunities constrained women’s participation in the workforce. By 1920, only about 20% of American women were gainful workers, and those who did work were often young and unmarried. Married women, in particular, faced societal expectations to remain at home, which limited their professional opportunities.

The American film industry reflected and reinforced these societal norms. The rise of the studio system centralized power in the hands of a few male executives, and the introduction of sound in films required significant investment, further consolidating control among wealthy male studio heads. Additionally, the implementation of the Hays Code in the 1930s imposed strict moral guidelines on movies, limiting the roles women could play and reinforcing traditional gender roles. These factors combined to create an environment where women were systematically excluded from positions of power and influence in the American film industry.

The Swedish Film Institute, established in 1963, has been instrumental in promoting gender equality in the film industry. With initiatives like the “50/50 by 2020” campaign, launched in 2016, the institute aimed to achieve gender parity in film production by the year 2020. These policies have resulted in a higher percentage of female directors and have fostered a more inclusive industry. This progressive approach reflects Sweden’s broader societal values, known for its strong commitment to gender equality, evident in various aspects of Swedish life, from politics to education.

By understanding the historical and cultural context of Sweden’s film industry, we see how supportive policies and a commitment to gender equality can create a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape. These examples highlight the potential for change and underscore the importance of supportive policies and cultural attitudes in shaping a more equitable industry.

The journey of women in film is far from over, and as we continue to tell their stories, we honour their contributions and pave the way for future generations. The history of women in film is not just a story of exclusion and marginalization; it is a story of resilience, creativity, and the unyielding spirit revealing the profound impact of their exclusion and the enduring struggle for recognition and equality that continues to this day.

Stay tuned for more insightful coverage from Marie and ADDICTED on the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

www.tiff.net

*header image director Alice Guy

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly

@TheNadiaE

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