Women’s transformative roles in cinema celebrated during key forum

Leading female film professionals from home and abroad gathered at Shanghai Film Art Center on June 15 to celebrate the role of women in cinema as part of the ongoing film festival’s SIFFORUM.

They discussed a range of topics related to female participation in film creation, from acting to writing and producing, during the Kering ‘Women In Motion’ session.

Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, who produced the hit film "Dangal," said she was happy to see a lot more women entering the film industry to tell their own stories.

She pointed out that in separate ways women worldwide faced similar challenges and difficult conditions. Many films directed by women depicted women's needs for freedom and opportunities, she added.

Chinese actress and producer Liang Jing said that it had been eight years since she swapped her role from being an actress to a producer.

"It has been a challenging but rewarding experience for me," Liang said.

She encouraged female filmmakers to follow their hearts and to persevere at their craft. Liang also mentioned "There's Still Tomorrow," one of her favorite movies, for how it seeks to encourage women.

"Italian director and actress Paola Cortellesi inspires women to reflect on their lives and social status in a light-hearted and sarcastic way," Liang said.

Voice performer and scholar Lu Yanting, who gave voice to Ne Zha in the hit animated film franchise "Ne Zha," noted that she was motivated by the stories behind the films "Her Story" and "Like A Rolling Stone."

"Women actually have a powerful source deep in our hearts to create varied characters and film stories," Lu said. "I hope more wonderful and inspiring works by women artists will come out."

Brazilian actress and producer Luiza Mariani pointed to significant changes in the film industry that have resulted in women nowadays working in every sector of film production, including directing, acting, screenwriting and producing.

She encouraged young female film professionals to keep working hard in their fields.

Kering launched ‘Women In Motion’ at Cannes Film Festival in 2015 to highlight the talent of women in cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. Over the past decade, the program has grown far beyond Cannes, collaborating with the likes of Palm Springs International Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival.

Kering is collaborating with the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival as Official Co-Creation Partner, supporting themed talks and film exhibitions.

Chen Guo, managing director of Shanghai International Film and TV Events Center, said that many outstanding female filmmakers have emerged in the industry, contributing their own distinct perspectives and in-depth reflections on reality.

She hailed the partnership with Kering for its potential to boost exchanges and cooperation with these talented professionals.