In Mexico 66 feature films were directed by women in 2021

The closing of the series of three tables focused on Women in Cinema and the Audiovisual Industry (Las Mujeres en el Cine y la Industria Audiovisual), with the participation of María Novaro, Director of the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía) (IMCINE) to talk about the challenges in inclusion and equity policies and practices in the audiovisual industry.

In Mexico, 66 feature films were directed by women in 2021, only 25% of the total feature films made; in 43% of the films women were in charge of the production; 44% of the more than 12 thousand employees in the industry were women and 74% of the films shot by women had government support.

“The IMCINE managed to become more feminized, having all directions led by women. However, there is still a great deal to do regarding public policies for discrimination” commented Novaro.

The Director of the IMCINE shared that she has suffered gender violence all her life and just until now, at the age of 71, realized those violent actions and others she remembers clearly: “In the 80s in film production, women couldn’t grab a camera”.

That is why new requirements have been implemented for the application to some sort of public funds, aiming to eradicate acts of violence and harassment of any kind due to the current situation of inequality.

María Novaro emphasized that the sums for support to the audiovisual industry, such as the EFICINE, have not been affected and that they are soon to launch new summons at IMCINE to support specific groups.

Cristian Calónico from PROCINE commented that to face these problems, calls have been made, where the main theme is inequality and inclusion. Additionally, they offer training through workshops in communities.

To end the forum, María Novaro commented that the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) is already including gender violence and inequality in its school material, which is a great step in the education on these topicsat a young age.