Italian film professionals call for gender parity in audiovisual industry

Female professionals in the Italian film and audiovisual industry are calling for greater gender parity, increased visibility, and improved access to funding and career opportunities. Recent major events, including the Venice Film Festival and the Rome Film Fest, have highlighted the ongoing scarcity of women in behind-the-scenes roles.

While directors such as May el-Toukhy and Rachel Szor have achieved international recognition, the industry continues to face a significant gender imbalance. Discussions are shifting from a perceived lack of talent to a lack of systemic access to the industry. Some progress is noted through initiatives like the Solinas Award at Maddalena, a creative development laboratory in partnership with Rai Fiction, which recently saw an all-female podium for its series development program.