Maggie Gyllenhaal has highlighted a “systemic issue” that accounts for the low representation of female directors at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where only two women are competing for the prestigious Golden Lion.
The acclaimed actor and director, who is leading the jury for this year’s festival, emphasized the challenges women face in securing funding for their films. “It’s more difficult for women to get their projects financed,” she stated.
Gyllenhaal also posed a thought-provoking question regarding the narratives women wish to explore in their films, suggesting that these stories may not always be recognized as “high art.” She remarked, “Who determines what is considered good or valuable in cinema?” Her own directorial debut, “The Lost Daughter,” was awarded the best screenplay prize at Venice in 2021.
The festival’s artistic directors have encountered criticism following the initial announcement of the competition lineup, which featured only one female director among the 20 nominees: Danish-Egyptian filmmaker May el-Toukhy with her film “Woman Unknown.” In response, the festival added a new documentary titled “NAZA,” directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who are among the four directors behind the Oscar-winning film “No Other Land.” This documentary is produced by The Guardian.
During this 83rd edition of the festival, Gyllenhaal leads a jury comprised of seven members, including Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, known for “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To, Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat, French filmmaker Xavier Giannoli, British composer Daniel Blumberg, and Italian film scholar Francesco Casetti.
Prior to the festival’s commencement, there was speculation about whether the jury would engage with the press, reportedly due to “scheduling conflicts.” This year’s lineup features a notable selection of films addressing politically charged topics, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as productions focused on figures like Rupert Murdoch and Elon Musk. Consequently, jury members may have felt apprehensive about media interactions on the opening day.
Reflecting on the intersection of cinema and politics, Gyllenhaal underscored the role of film in fostering empathy, even for those deemed morally questionable. “If films genuinely represent an honest perspective on the experiences of others, they are inherently political, along with embodying many other dimensions,” she explained. Her short film “Flesh Impact,” inspired by Marilyn Monroe, is set to be showcased out of competition during the festival.
