Half the Picture features interviews with a powerhouse ensemble of female directors, including Ava DuVernay (Selma, A Wrinkle In Time), Brenda Chapman (Brave, The Prince of Egypt), Penelope Spheeris (Wayne’s World), among others. They share their experiences about how they entered the industry and the challenges and limitations they constantly face.
Gender discrimination is greatly amplified in the film industry. This documentary asks why and poses questions about a topic that is not often talked about. What happens to female directors when they start a family? Why is choosing a female director seen as a risk? Why are women not given chances to make films when they have continuously proved themselves? After directing their first big movie, why doesn’t the opportunity to direct the next big film automatically flow, as it does for males?
As a female who hopes to one day enter the film industry, this documentary scares me. But it also motivates me to go out and defy the discouraging statistics, defy the prejudices, and prove the assumptions of the industry wrong. It makes me think about how I can make a difference.
Everyone should watch this movie. Not just women, or people who love film. Everybody.
Half the Picture says it like it is, and that brutal honesty has power. It gives an insight into the reality and singles out the status quo. The unfair bias, the extra hard work and all the obstacles that the directors in this documentary have overcome, amazed and inspired me.
The most important takeaway from this movie is that despite hardships and discrimination, there are still incredible, resilient women who have created brave and fantastic films and will continue to do so.
Half the Picture is brilliantly made, engaging from start to finish, inspiring, and vitally important.
Amelia
Half the Picture
Sydney Film Festival