BREAKING BOUNDARIES: WOMEN SHAPING THE WORLD OF FILM

The filmmaker and producer discuss how Colombian cinema is shifting as women take the lead, reshaping storytelling and challenging inequality in a changing film landscape.

Not many years ago, the majority of films in Colombia—like elsewhere in the world—were directed by men. As a film student at university, I was introduced to prominent female directors such as Agnès Varda and Chantal Akerman. However, these names are just a few among many male directors. Looking back at early cinema, I realized that pioneers like Alice Guy were often overlooked. 

Fortunately, my generation has witnessed a shift where women are asserting themselves as active contributors to both society and cinema. Breaking away from the traditional view that relegated women to supporting roles, they have taken on key positions in cinematography, direction, editing, and production design. 

Cali, my hometown, earned the nickname “Caliwood” in the 1970s not only because it was the site of Colombia’s first film but also due to a creative surge led by young filmmakers like Luis Ospina and Carlos Mayolo. 

Today, cities such as Cali, Medellín, Bogotá, and their surroundings are increasingly spotlighting female directors. Despite the ongoing inequality in the global film industry, our voices and resilience will continue to make an impact. Arthouse cinema faces the challenge of thriving amid an unbalanced world, the horrors of war, violence against women, and the rise of AI in our society. 

As Cate Blanchett stated in her recent TIFF speech, “Unfortunately, we do need to keep talking about the changes that we’ve made because I think that fairness, equity, and respect are not embedded into the systems that we work in. We have to keep asking questions that open locked doors and knowing our worth. And greater inclusivity on our sets lead to less marginal and vibrant storytelling (...) I think homogeneity is the enemy of everything we make”. 

The 33 & Me Project exemplifies how we can bridge gaps and foster alliances between creators worldwide. It provides a platform for connecting directors with their national filmographies. If you're interested in exploring Colombian cinema further, consider watching The Rose Seller (dir. Victor Gaviria, Cannes 1998), The Towrope (dir. William Vega, Director’s Fortnight 2012), the works of Camilo Restrepo, and the diverse perspectives of Martha Rodríguez, Natalia Santa, Lina Rodríguez, and Juanita Onzaga.▮