Film universities set signs: gender equality in focus!

Film universities set signs: gender equality in focus!

representatives of the German film universities and Dr. Maria Furtwängler recently presented measures to promote gender equality in the film sector. In 2018, six state film universities made a commitment to gender equality. This initiative aims to sharpen the awareness of gender representations in the film and to strengthen women in the film. This includes the mentoring program "Into the Wild", which offers graduates access to a network and a script camp. FilmUniversität reports that courses on gender competence, diversity and inclusion were initiated at almost all film universities.

These courses include various formats, including empowerment workshops, coaching programs and reflection talks on gender representation. The Baden-Württemberg film academy has set special accents with its “Gender in Progress” project. In addition, the Film University Babelsberg supports student films on gender topics with a special fund, while the art college for media Cologne (KHM) has developed social spots for Medica Mondiale.

activities and studies on gender representation

The HFF Munich carried out a study entitled "Gender Roles in the Mirror of the HFF Depression Films 2015-2018". Such research projects are part of the efforts to develop women's funding plans and equality concepts at all universities. The central points of these plans are the increase in the number of professors, gender -parity committees and guidelines against abuse of power.

The Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg also organized a closed conference on "Gender & Diversity", while the KHM Cologne discussed gender aspects in an appointment procedure in workshops. Further events with national and international networking were carried out, such as the "Respect!" of the Munich art universities and the symposium "Get out of the Malestream" at the Film University Babelsberg.

relevance of film funding and regulatory measures

The promotion of gender equality also goes beyond the universities and is supported by the current Film Funding Act. As explained on ffa , the law ensures the gender-friendly occupation of the FFA funding bodies, which includes the Commission for Production and Darning Donation. The Board of Directors consists of 30 percent of female and male members.

After each funding meeting, the FFA publishes information on gender distribution for funding commitments and submitted projects. A current change in directives also allows the consideration of costs for family -friendly rotation in the financing plan, including childcare costs on the set. The annual FFA funding brochure documents the gender distribution for funding and applications in the fields of script, directing and production.

At the same time, the study "Gender and Film" was published, which provides answers to gender parity in key positions in film productions behind the camera. This study and its results were presented at the Berlinale in 2017 at an information event.

The Malisa Foundation supports the initiative of film universities and is committed to social diversity. In addition, the training “Beyond Stereotypes” at the Babelsberg University of Babelsberg is offered for transmitters and production companies. The sustainable change process towards more gender justice, diversity and inclusion at film universities is therefore in full swing.