The 2017 Cannes Film Festival came to an end on Sunday night.
While Sofia Coppola may have won best director, an honor which has not gone to a woman since 1961, some people were still frustrated by the portrayal of women throughout the festival.
During a post-ceremony press conference on Sunday, actress and Cannes jury member Jessica Chastain spoke up about the 20 films she watched over the course of 10 days, and she was not happy with what she saw.
Say that, @jes_chastain.
Here is the full transcript of her comments:
"This is the first time I've watched 20 films in 10 days and I love movies, and the one thing I really took away from this experience is how the world views women from the female characters that were represented. It was quite disturbing to me, to be honest—with some exceptions. For the most part I was surprised by the representation of female characters on screen in these films, and I do hope that when we include more female storytellers we will have more of the women I recognize in my day to day life, those who are proactive, have their own agency, don't just react to the men around them, they have their own point of view."
Her comments struck a chord with several female actors who applauded Chastain for speaking up.
It takes courage to speak truth to power. Thank you @jes_chastain for speaking truth and representing the voices of… https://t.co/VAa7VvOpNP
Many thanked Chastain for using her platform to bring awareness to the issue of female representation in film.
YES @jes_chastain YESSSSSS. Thank you for using you voice so powerfully and effectively. ❤️ https://t.co/jqch5aS6gV
Others shared her sentiment calling for more females behind the lens.
More women directors, writers and producers pls! https://t.co/7kFxh6vuSZ
This isn't the first time Chastain has advocated for women in film. Earlier this year she told Variety that she refuses to accept a role if she is offered a small fraction of what her male costar makes.
The female wage gap and sexist portrayals of women in film still plague Hollywood, but as more celebrities raise awareness of these issues, maybe one day things will change.
