Don't let the Oscars, Golden Globes, or any award show fool you: Women filmmakers exist.
Not only do they write, direct, edit, and produce the films we love, they make it all happen in an industry predominantly led by men. Many of these women had to work twice as hard to get half as far as their male counterparts, but it didn't stop them from pursuing their passions, and telling stories on the big screen.
In the wake of #TimesUp and #MeToo, women directors decided to start an empowering social media movement of their own — #femalefilmmakerfriday.
Aline Brosh McKenna, showrunner and co-creator of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," and the writer behind "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Annie" (2014), kicked things off Jan. 26 by sharing a photo of herself on set.
We were planning this for 2/2 but people were excited, so let's go for it! My friend Tamra Davis recently posted a… https://t.co/zQaagXUyYW— Aline Brosh McKenna (@Aline Brosh McKenna) 1516989826.0
Other women in film quickly joined in, sharing photos of their time behind the camera.
The new weekly tradition continues with big names, rising stars, and passionate fans sharing their favorite behind-the-scenes photos of women in film.
This seemingly small act is a big win for representation. Not only do fellow women in film get to celebrate their peers, but fans get to see and learn more about the talented women behind the scenes. And young girls considering careers in filmmaking get to see the strong community waiting to welcome them into the ranks. It's a weekly exercise in positive representation — and it's awesome.
Here are 13 of my favorite photos so far.
1. Women in film are telling their own stories ...
We can have it all! While shooting The Perez Family in 1993. Happy #femalefilmmakerfriday! https://t.co/EcA0iNDscB— Mira Nair (@Mira Nair) 1517466030.0
2. ... and elebrating triumphs ...
A post shared by Denise Papas Meechan (@denisepapas) on
3. ... and sharing things they've learned.
#FemaleFilmmakerFriday My first time directing in 2008 on a short film called PARENTAL GUIDANCE. I made so many mi… https://t.co/MTJ0xwdx1n— America Ferrera (@America Ferrera) 1517004206.0
4. And whether they're a woman who’s already "made it"...
Happy #FemaleFilmmakerFriday. I love seeing all the images of women helmers doing their work. We are a small, but m… https://t.co/TqBbVNVNe1— Ava DuVernay (@Ava DuVernay) 1516985921.0
5. ... or is just starting a new challenge ...
Just made it in time! This is me on my first feature film that’s I’ve just started shooting! Would love support/men… https://t.co/V3j1x6OwvF— Sophie Phillips (@Sophie Phillips) 1517011158.0
6. ... everyone has something to contribute.
A post shared by Global Girl Media (@global_girl_media) on
7. Because this community of women is bigger ...
Also hello happy #femalefilmmakerfriday here's a photo of the ALL FEMALE CREW of @LittleTexasFilm on wrap day.… https://t.co/E4gQxNql0N— Marissa Vonn (@Marissa Vonn) 1518189200.0
8. ... stronger ....
Tb to powerhouse @reedmorano using her 7 month baby bump to stabilise her shot 💪✨ on the set of Little Birds (2011)… https://t.co/Noh94Ju5Xy— BOOTH (@BOOTH) 1517585267.0
9. ... and more talented than anyone gives them credit for.
A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot) on
10. And the fans wholeheartedly agree.
Here's to all the future female filmmakers! Go get em ladies! We'll be waiting to watch all your movies. #femalefilmmakerfriday— DramaFollower (@DramaFollower) 1517011019.0
11. So pull a few more seats up to the table, Hollywood.
12. Because women in film are here to stay.
#femalefilmmakerfriday It shouldn’t be harder for our daughters to direct than for our sons, it should be an equa… https://t.co/eSEQLIP5JO— Lesli Linka Glatter (@Lesli Linka Glatter) 1516946883.0
13. And we can't wait to see what they dream up next.
#femalefilmmakerfriday Little girls with dreams become women with vision. #vision #dreams #DreamsDoComeTrue… https://t.co/zDtgTuST4k— Gabriela Tagliavini (@Gabriela Tagliavini) 1518189616.0