Women filmmakers share ongoing industry challenges in new book

In her new book, "Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words," author Marya E. Gates interviews 19 women filmmakers about their struggles and successes in the film industry. The book showcases the challenges these directors have faced, illustrating that many obstacles still exist for women in filmmaking today. Published by Rizzoli New York, the book includes stories that span nearly half a century of film history. Gates conducted interviews from 2022 to 2024 and highlighted influential directors such as Gillian Armstrong, known for the 1994 film "Little Women." The book cover features a striking image from Karyn Kusama's 2000 debut "Girlfight." Gates discusses the groundbreaking work of Alice Guy-Blaché, who is recognized as one of the first female filmmakers and a vital part of narrative cinema's origins. Despite her contributions, she remained uncredited for many years, a reminder of the industry's long-standing gender biases. Throughout her interviews, Gates found it both inspiring and frustrating to hear that challenges have persisted. For example, filmmaker Gillian Armstrong spoke about her struggles in the 1970s, while younger director Josephine Decker shared similar experiences from only 15 years ago. Gates emphasizes the importance of teamwork in the film industry. She learned that having a supportive team can make the difficult journey in filmmaking less isolating. She encourages collaboration to help overcome challenges, stating that while individual vision is crucial, a strong team is essential for success. Gates will hold a book signing and discussion on March 29 at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago.