In a report from the New York Times earlier this year, the number of female movie directors has increased (12 of the 113 directors on 2019’s 100 top films were women – double the number from 2018). Things are changing, albeit slowly. But when you look at women working behind the scenes in film and TV, the numbers remain stagnant. When you add in another qualifier, women of color working in film and TV, the numbers shrink, leaving this group severely underrepresented.
But there are diligent, hopeful groups working to help create a more diverse Hollywood. Manon de Reeper, screenwriter and founder of the online magazine Film Inquiry, is leading the team of volunteers behind the mentoring program that’s trending with the hashtag #StartWith8Hollywood, a movement created by Bitch Pack and Women of Color Unite.
