While it’s always about independent cinema, DIFF 2024 breaks the mold but only for this one special theme: female directors. With its schedule running from November 7 to 10, DIFF 2024 promises more than 80 films from 28 countries. Half of the feature selection here has been crafted by women.
It all starts with Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the Grand Prix at Cannes and made India eligible for the first time in three decades to compete for the Palme d’Or. Also, to be screened during the festival is Deepak Rauniyar’s “Pooja, Sir,” the closing night feature, hot from its Venice premiere. Can we say that finally, female directors are getting the limelight?
For far too long, cinema has worked like an exclusive club at which female filmmakers barely even had their foot in the door. So, when a Dharamshala sort of event highlights their activities, one cannot but be hopeful. But will this attention turn out to be part of a real change towards gender equality, or some other passing fancy to oblige a vocal minority?
Despite their evident aptitude, women directors have always been glaringly underrepresented in these respective industries. In this industry, women have typically been marginalized and their abilities have been concealed by their male competitors. Even if the recent acknowledgment of female directors is a positive move, it is important to consider whether this is only a small act or an overall transformation.
Take, for example, Mira Nair. International accolades have been achieved through her gritty cinema in films like “Salaam Bombay” and “The Namesake”. Zoya Akhtar too does well with films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Dil Dhadakne Do”, which bring a change in the role of gender.
The film industry is one such industry that has a history span of years showing gender bias. Even though there is this long-standing gender bias, women have still been able to accomplish much and make outstanding films. However, they face more criticism and fewer opportunities than their male counterparts. It’s excellent that there has been a new interest in women in movies, but this shouldn’t be one of those temporary trends caused by the present cultural environment.
Furthermore, it shouldn’t be evaluated only on how many honours and recognitions female filmmakers have received throughout their careers. Indeed, equality entails equal opportunities, and supportive treatment. This is a shift in perspective and the removal of structural obstacles that prevented women from advancing for many years.
Although the recognition of women directors has increased, the need to be critical and vigilant is very important. The film industry needs push for change that is truly genuine, so women aren’t just given a seat but treated with respect and equality they deserve. That is when we can rightfully say that female directors will get the limelight, they so long deserved.