Women Rocking Hollywood 2023: How Female Filmmakers Reach the Hollywood A-List

It’s mixed news about female representation behind the scenes in Hollywood. Recent findings show gender balanced hiring is still not a priority in the industry, with women of color having the hardest time getting hired, despite critical acclaim. However, studies have also shown female filmmakers hire more women in key roles on feature films, so female-fronted films are more gender-balanced overall. There’s a small list of directors and producers with household names that have the juice to go after the biggest gigs, but how does a female filmmaker get on that list? The 2023 WRH panel, now in its 8th year, features women who have claimed their power, or are climbing to the top through big studio, streaming, and high-profile indie projects. Join writer/director Rosemary Rodriguez (director, Peacemaker, director, upcoming indie horror/drama mashup Hail Mary) Sam Bailey (producer/director, Dear White People, Marvel’s IronHeart), Jen McGowan (director, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Discovery), Nzingha Stewart (director, Daisy Jones and The Six, director/EP, the upcoming Cross), Laura Merians Gonçalves (director of photography, Black is King, Dead Ringers)and Andria Wilson Mirza (director, Sundance Institute and Women in Film’s ReFrame Project) as they share their thoughts on positive impact unions have for women in film, talk about their newest projects, and offer insights about finding success in the industry and moving the needle forward for everyone.