No year in film history has been as phenomenal to women like 2017 has. Previously, women have voiced their frustrations with the kind of roles they are given in movies and being sidelined from some decision making platforms in the film industry, and it seems like they’re finally being heard. By the end of 2015 for instance, only 37 popular movies had a woman playing a critical role in them such as being a director or a producer. In 2017, that norm has changed and the number of women-directed movies has doubled. Oscar nominations also had significantly higher number of women nominees than in the preceding years.
Here are some top achievements made by women in film that have made the year 2017 exceptional.
The release of Wonder Woman
It is hard to talk of women achievements on screen in 2017 without mentioning the release of Wonder Woman. It is probably the first truly successful superhero film with a woman character. Although Wonder Woman character is as old as DC Comics itself, it is the first time the character has had a full movie under her name. In yet another pleasant twist, this film made Patty Jenkins the first female director to direct a superhero studio comic theatrical film, an astonishing milestone. But what made Wonder Woman attract attention of women bashers on the screen is its box office performance. It went on record to be the highest grossing movie to be directed by a woman, forking in an incredible USD $700 Million on a budget of just USD $140 Million.
Women directing great movies in 2017
There have been a total of 66 movies directed by women in 2017, the highest since discovery of film by mankind. It all started in January with the release of Underworld: Blood Lines, a blockbuster directed by Emily Hagins. It also stared the critically acclaimed Kate Beckinsale. January was also a great month for Stacy Title who earned her second Oscar nomination in 23 years with The Bye Bye Man film which she directed. Although she co-directed the thriller masterpiece with her husband, it is recognized as one of the most successful films directed by a woman in 2017.
In February, Amma Asante directed her third feature film. A United Kingdom tells a story about mixed race marriage which turns controversial in Botswana’s hinterland. On February 17, Annie Clark directed and released XX, an anthology horror film. It featured Sofia Carrilllo and Uovanka Vukovik.
In March, Raw was released. The grisly horror movie was directed by Julia Ducournau. The film has received positive reviews since debuting at Cannes film festival.
In December, Trish Sie will take over the directing job of Pitch Perfect 3. It will be one of the very rare gestures from the makers of Pitch Perfect 3 franchise which is mainly directed by male film makers.
And let’s not forget about the movie Detroit, directed by Kathryn Bigelow which is already getting Oscar buzz.
Also, 2017 is far from over……
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