Introduction to XX Cinema

Even if we don't *know* all the statistics about the lack of women directors in Hollywood (in 2008, only 9% of the top 250 movies were directed by women), it is as obvious as the smirk on Kate Hudson's face that we are underrepresented at the movies.  Come on, out of ALL the movies to EVER be nominated for Best Picture, only three and a half were directed by women (Sofia Coppola, Jane Campion and Lina Wertmuller, and Valerie Faris (with Jonathan Dayton, for Little Miss Sunshine). And I'm sure the numbers for summer blockbuster money machines are even worse, though I can't be bothered to look them up. (It bears noting that even though Catherine Hardwicke directed Twilight, which grossed $379 million worldwide, she was not asked back for the sequels.)

What is my point?  This: there are so many more stories out there to be told, stories about women who aren't strippers or prostitutes (despite what we see in the movies, most of us aren't). But those doors don't open until women directors are seen as being perfectly capable of bringing in the big bucks, especially on opening weekend. So, my dears, that is where we come in. Every week, I will (try to) scour the Internet for movies directed by women, and let you know about it, so that (if it looks appealing) you can go show your support at the box office. And then the Oscars will come rolling in, naturally. Probably in a couple of weeks.