Dozens of women film stars have held a protest at the Cannes Film Festival 2018 against gender-based discrimination in the industry. Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart and Salma Hayek were among those taking part in the red-carpet demonstration.
The prestigious Cannes festival has come under criticism for failing to showcase more films by women directors. The protest comes after a period of turmoil in the industry following allegations of sexual harassment. This is the first Cannes festival since allegations of sexual abuse were first made against producer Harvey Weinstein last year. He has always denied engaging in non-consensual sex.
The actresses and filmmakers linked arms to stroll along the red carpet. Cate Blanchett spoke of the film industry's gender inequalities. “We are 82 women, representing the number of female directors who have climbed these stairs since the first edition of the Cannes Film Festival in 1946. In the same period, 1,688 male directors have climbed these very same stairs,” the two-time Oscar winner said.
“The prestigious Palme d'Or has been bestowed upon 71 male directors, too numerous to mention by name, but only two female directors,” Ms Blanchett remarked.