The Evolving Fight for Parity in French Cinema: A Decade After #MeToo, Are Women Allowed to Age on Screen?
The French film industry, long lauded for its artistic merit and cultural significance, has faced increasing scrutiny regarding gender parity and the prevalence of sexual misconduct. While the global #MeToo movement sparked a reckoning across numerous industries, its impact on French cinema has been complex and, according to many, slow to materialize. A decade after the initial wave of revelations, and with ongoing discussions about representation, a critical question emerges: are women in French cinema finally being afforded the opportunity to age gracefully and continue to thrive, or are they still subject to the pressures of a youth-obsessed industry?
For decades, a culture of tolerance, even celebration, of sexual misconduct existed within the French film industry, often justified under the guise of artistic freedom and the nation’s unique “exception culturelle.” This environment, as described by sociologist Éric Fassin, fostered what some analysts term an “omerta” – a code of silence – that protected perpetrators and silenced victims. The arrest of Roman Polanski in Switzerland in 2009 on suspicion of sexual assault with a minor became a flashpoint, with prominent figures like then-Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand publicly defending the director, stating that failing to support him would signify a lack of culture within the country. This incident, and others like the allegations surrounding Gérard Depardieu, highlighted the deep-seated issues within the industry.
A History of Silence and the #MeToo Catalyst
The roots of this problematic culture stretch back to the 1970s, where tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence was normalized. This normalization, according to academics Giuseppina Sapio and Irène Despontin Lefèvre, created an environment where victims were hesitant to come forward, fearing repercussions and lacking institutional support. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, provided a crucial catalyst for change, empowering individuals to share their experiences and challenging the long-held power dynamics within the industry.
Following the wave of allegations and the increased public awareness brought about by #MeToo, French film institutions began to implement measures aimed at addressing the issue. Starting in 2019, mandatory training programs were introduced for professionals in the film industry, focusing on preventing sexual harassment and promoting respectful workplace behavior. These initiatives represent a significant shift, acknowledging the need for systemic change and providing tools to combat harassment.
Slow Progress Towards Parity
Despite these efforts, progress towards gender parity in French cinema remains uneven. According to a 2020 report by the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), only 25% of the 190 films released or co-produced in France that year were directed or co-directed by women. This figure, while slightly higher than the 23% recorded before #MeToo, still falls far short of achieving equitable representation. Sandrine Brauer, a film producer and co-founder of the Collectif 50/50, points out that in sociology, any group representing less than 30% is considered effectively invisible.
The Collectif 50/50 has been a vocal advocate for greater gender parity, pushing for concrete measures to increase the representation of women in the film industry. France Télévisions, under the leadership of Delphine Ernotte, has taken a leading role by implementing a quota requiring at least 30% of its audiovisual productions to be directed by women. However, this level of commitment has not been universally adopted across the industry.
The Challenges of Aging for Women in Film
Beyond the issue of representation behind the camera, a more subtle but equally pervasive challenge exists for actresses: the pressure to remain youthful and the limited opportunities available to women as they age. The industry often prioritizes younger actresses, leading to a scarcity of roles for older women and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This phenomenon isn’t unique to France, but the country’s historical emphasis on a certain aesthetic ideal exacerbates the problem.
The question of whether women are “allowed to age” on screen speaks to a broader societal issue of ageism and sexism. Older actresses often uncover themselves relegated to supporting roles, portraying mothers, grandmothers, or other stereotypical characters, rather than being offered leading roles that showcase their talent and experience. This lack of representation not only limits their career opportunities but also reinforces the idea that women’s value diminishes with age.
Recent Gains and Ongoing Efforts
Despite the challenges, there have been some recent positive developments. In 2021, Chloé Zhao won the Academy Award for Best Director for Nomadland, and Julia Ducournau became only the second woman to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for Titane. Also in 2021, Audrey Diwan received the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for L’Événement, an adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s novel about abortion. These accolades signal a growing recognition of female talent and a potential shift in the industry’s dynamics.
Kering, through its Women In Motion program, has been actively working to promote gender equality in the film industry since 2015, predating the #MeToo movement. A recent study commissioned by Kering, conducted by Dr. Stacy L. Smith of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, examined the evolution of gender equality in cinema between 2015 and 2024, focusing on the representation of women behind the camera in top-performing films across six countries and the number of female directors nominated or awarded at major film festivals. While the study indicates some improvements, it also underscores the long road ahead.
Looking Ahead
The fight for parity in French cinema is far from over. While the #MeToo movement and subsequent initiatives have raised awareness and prompted some positive changes, systemic issues remain. Continued efforts are needed to address the underlying cultural biases that perpetuate inequality, to provide greater opportunities for women both in front of and behind the camera, and to challenge the ageist attitudes that limit the careers of older actresses.
The CNC is expected to publish a comprehensive report in November 2021 detailing the progress made on parity measures since 2019. This report will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current initiatives and inform future strategies. The ongoing work of organizations like the Collectif 50/50 and the Women In Motion program will also be crucial in driving further change. The conversation surrounding gender equality in French cinema must continue, ensuring that women are not only represented but also valued and respected throughout their careers, regardless of age.
The next key checkpoint will be the release of the CNC’s report on parity measures, expected later this year. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences on this important issue in the comments below.