Women film-makers meet in Auckland

The world's female film-makers meet in Auckland; they say more women should aim to be directors

21 April 2004
New Zealand's film industry is being closely watched by envious eyes this week.

The biennial conference of the worldwide organisation Women in Film and Television starts today in Auckland.

The chief executive of the UK chapter says around the world, women are woefully under-represented in the ranks of film-makers

But Jane Cussons says New Zealand stands apart because of the high proportion of women such as Niki Caro, Gaylene Preston and Jane Campion, who are top-rank directors and producers.

She says New Zealand seems to have a gift for creating a level playing field for women in the movie industry, but she has not managed to identify what the secret is.

She believes the Gaylene Prestons and Jane Campions of the future need to be caught early if they are to succeed.

Ms Cussons says around the world, it is very hard for women to become directors or producers and they should be encouraged to consider the technical side of film-making while still at school to lay the groundwork.

In Britain, out of more than 300 films, only eight were made by women.

Ms Cussons says New Zealand is a very exciting place for film-makers to be at the moment, thanks to Lord of the Rings and Whale Rider.

© 2009 NZCity, IRN