The actress and director Voices Anger Over Hollywood's Regression for Female Professionals

The renowned actress and filmmaker has declared she is “furious” that progress for female directors in the film industry have gone backwards after a brief period of improvement following the #MeToo era.

The Twilight star, who helmed the forthcoming film The Chronology of Water, gave an impassioned address at a women’s luncheon in Los Angeles hosted by the Academy behind the awards.

“The regression from a brief moment of progress is statistically devastating,” she informed attendees. “Such a pitiful number of films from the previous year have been made by women.”

An annual report that tracks the presence of female filmmakers stated that 11 of the highest-grossing films of last year were helmed by female directors, down from 16 in the year 2020.

‘Boys’ Club Business Model’

During her speech, Stewart said: “In a post-MeToo moment, it appeared likely that stories created by and for females were at last receiving recognition. That we might be allowed or even supported to share our views and our common stories, every aspect of our lives unfiltered.

“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it requires at each stage when the material is too grim, too controversial, when the frankness with which it presents insights about experiences routinely experienced by women, frequently provokes disgust and rejection.”

She continued: “We can talk about wage gaps and menstrual product taxes and measure [inequality] in many measurable forms. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not allowed to feel rage. But I can eat this podium with a utensil and sharp tool. I’m furious.”

The guests listening to Stewart’s address included a number of well-known female stars.

Stewart was met with multiple ovations during the duration of her brief talk.

“I appreciate you,” she stated. “I am not grateful a boys’ club business model that claims to desire to hang out with us while draining our assets and diminishing our genuine viewpoints. We must avoid being used as tokens. It’s time to create our own value.”

New films from a few women filmmakers are among those for the next Academy Awards, but the best director category is once again expected to be dominated by men.