May el-Toukhy Addresses Gender Disparities in Film at Venice Festival

At the Venice Film Festival, Danish director May el-Toukhy has emerged as a notable voice on the persistent gender gap in the film industry, as her film Woman Unknown competes among a predominantly male lineup.

El-Toukhy's name was initially the only one associated with the competition, highlighting a stark imbalance that has long plagued the field. Even with the late addition of the documentary Neza, co-directed by Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, she remains one of only two female directors in the competition. During a press conference, she emphasized the need for change, stating, “It tells us there’s still lots of work to do.”

Reflecting on her own experiences, el-Toukhy described the structural issues that contribute to the gender disparity in filmmaking. She noted that the challenges begin early in a filmmaker's career and extend through each project, from securing funding to navigating industry perceptions. “I’ve never heard a female director being called a genius,” she remarked, underscoring the media's role in perpetuating these biases.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Denmark, Woman Unknown tells the story of Marie, a woman grappling with her past and the societal consequences of her wartime relationships. El-Toukhy, who has previously directed Long Story Short and Queen of Hearts, expressed her dedication to the film, saying, “I’ve worked 16 hours a day for more than a year… I feel okay.” She concluded that her inclusion in the festival is already a significant achievement.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com