Half The Picture

Half The Picture is a documentary directed by Amy Adrion released in 2018 that explores the challenges and discrimination faced by female directors in the male-dominated film industry. The documentary features interviews with over thirty female directors, including Ava DuVernay, Brenda Chapman, Caroline Libresco, Catherine Hardwicke, Lena Dunham, Jill Soloway and Miranda July, who share their experiences, insights and expertise in the industry.

The documentary is divided into different sections based on the themes the directors discuss. It starts with the personal stories of the directors and how they found their way into the industry. Some of the stories are very inspiring and give a glimpse of the passion, creativity and perseverance required to become a successful film director. However, many of these stories also highlight the barriers and obstacles that women face in the industry, including sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and lack of opportunity.

Next, the documentary explores the challenges that female directors face on set, such as dealing with crew members who are dismissive or disrespectful, or the pressure to conform to stereotypical gender roles. Directors like Brenda Chapman recount their experiences of being fired from a project due to creative differences or lack of support from producers. The documentary showcases how female directors are generally given smaller budgets, less creative control and lower salaries compared to their male counterparts.

The documentary then delves into the lack of representation and diversity in Hollywood, particularly when it comes to women directors. A notable statistic is that only 4% of the top-grossing American films were directed by women in the past decade. The directors featured in Half The Picture discuss why this is problematic for the industry as a whole, and how it affects the types of stories that are told and the ways in which they are told.

The film concludes with a call to action for women in the industry and for audiences to demand more diverse representation behind and in front of the camera. The documentary also offers valuable insights into the strategies and techniques that female directors use to navigate the male-dominated industry, such as building supportive networks, negotiating hard for contracts and taking creative risks.

Half The Picture is a compelling and informative documentary that provides a crucial perspective on the need for gender parity in Hollywood, and the urgent necessity to support and elevate women filmmakers. The film features a diverse range of female directors, and their stories and insights make for an engaging and insightful viewing experience. While the film highlights the many obstacles that women face in the industry, it also celebrates their creative talents, resilience and ability to inspire change. Overall, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diverse representation in the media, and the ongoing need for activism and advocacy.