Women in Film - India Takes a Step Towards Gender Parity in Bollywood
Goa, December 2023: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came alive with a thought-provoking session titled "Women in Film - India Chapter: A New Vision" that shed light on the crucial issue of gender parity in the film industry. Oscar-winning director Guneet Monga Kapoor, founder of Sikhya Entertainment, led an enlightening discussion on this critical topic.
In her opening remarks, Guneet shared her personal experience of encountering a lack of women directors and technicians in the industry. "I have been a producer for the past 17-18 years, and I have seen fewer than five per cent of directors in India are women," she said, highlighting the need for change. This sparked an opportunity for Guneet to connect with the Women in Film organization (WIF), which advocates for women working in the industry both in front and behind the camera.
The session was attended by Tillotama Shome, Jyoti Deshpande, Aparna Purohit, Andria Wilson Mirza, and Guneet Monga Kapoor. Despite being part of an ambitious step, WIF India Chapter is still in its infancy, working towards building a structure to support women in the industry.
Tillotama Shome echoed Guneet's sentiments, stating that "data makes the invisible visible" and expressed her excitement about the possibilities that WIF India can lead to. Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Entertainment at Reliance Industries Limited, shared how she has actively sought out meritorious women for leadership posts, not because they are women, but because they excel in their roles.
The session also highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive environment, where men feel encouraged to participate. "It's not activism; it's inclusion," said Jyoti Deshpande. The panel discussed films like Laapata Ladies and Stree 2, which have broken box office records with strong female protagonists.
While progress is being made, the industry still struggles with equal pay for women. Aparna Purohit, CEO of Aamir Khan Productions, acknowledged the challenge but remained hopeful, stating that "we have set out on a very positive journey."
The Women in Film - India Chapter: A New Vision session at IFFI serves as a call to action for the film industry to prioritize gender parity and create a more inclusive environment. The WIF India Chapter is taking steps towards building a structure to support women in the industry, and with organizations like this, there is hope for a brighter future in Bollywood.