Cate Blanchett. “Every time I’ve progressed in my career, it’s because I’ve taken risks”

A year ago, Cate Blanchett and producer Coco Franchini (with whom she worked at her Dirty Films production house) attended Kering’s Women In Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival. There they met social science researcher Stacey L. Smith, an expert on women and minorities in the entertainment industry. Together, they created Proof Of Concept, a program designed to promote the work of young female, trans, or non-binary filmmakers. After inviting projects, they assembled a selection committee and selected 11 of them who would benefit from this initiative to produce their first short film.

Putting his voice, his experience and his celebrity in the service of inclusion; a mission that Cate Blanchett considers inseparable from her work as an actress. Coco Francini and Stacey L. Along with Smith, the Australian made another appearance at Cannes on May 21 as part of a Kering-backed program to highlight women who are turning new wheels in the art world.

Change perspective

Stacey L. For Smith, the observation is clear, based on accurate data. “If we look at the 100 best films of the last 16 years, only 6% of filmmakers are women. When we take independent films, it goes up to 58%. In television, it is 40%, and for Netflix and platforms – 25%. The numbers he compares with the candidates who applied to the “Proof of contest” program. “50% were people of color, 10% were trans, and 10% were non-binary. Proof that there is a talent pool. »

Breaking barriers

And that their perspective is decisive in changing the representations and mindsets of the entertainment industry; “Since they lived differently, their point of view will be different,” emphasizes Cate Blanchett. They have a different perspective than those who grew up white, male, middle class. They place the camera in a different location. It’s really exciting and we’re seeing different types of cinema here.”

The obstacles that prevent these filmmakers from finding studios that listen to their ideas remain to be overcome; “The three obstacles they face are lack of funding, lack of visibility and lack of mentorship,” explains Coco Francini. Three areas our program focuses on.” Then you have to convince the producers. “Films directed by trans or non-binary people are often perceived as niche, risky projects,” laments the producer. Helping them finance it can take them beyond this vision and prove they can make commercially viable films. »

Take a risk

Betting on audacity, not being afraid of failure. a state of mind that has guided Cate Blanchett, a two-time Oscar-winning actress, in her film choices, whether she’s producing or acting. “Every time I’ve progressed in my career, it’s because I’ve taken risks. Many men in this industry are applauded precisely because they take it and are given more money. On the other hand, when women take risks, we don’t give a bigger budget. Except for one of them (Greta Gerwig, Editor’s noteWho, I am delighted, is the president of the jury this year, well done! But when they are successful, they will especially face enormous pressure regarding their future plans.” Before adding: “There’s Michael Bays (director of blockbusters like Armageddon, Pearl Harbor or saga transformers, Editor’s note) of this world who do the same thing over and over and do it incredibly well. But not all artists do that. And it’s the death of the industry if no one takes the risk, women, trans and non-binary people just like everyone else. »

Create a new economy

In addition to minority visibility, equal pay and equality across the board, in front of and behind the camera, remains one of Australian’s top priorities. “I work with men whom I admire and respect. But when I get to the set there are 50 people and only 3 are women. When will this change dramatically? I feel like I’m in Stinking day“. An eternal restart, a battle to be waged over and over again, also in the media. “We have the impression that we have already talked a lot about these issues. Me too, admits Cate Blanchett. I can no longer count how many times we are asked the question of women’s representation at such festival press conferences… I want to answer when there are two men next to me so that we can also ask. them. Why are people talking to me? This is my reality, but why are you asking me to solve the problem? Changes are still a long way off.”

But a revolution is going on. Stacey L. For Smith, program initiatives such as Proof Of Concept will not only serve to foster a new generation of projects and visions, but will also encourage the following: “We bring hope where doors are closed. Our filmmakers will spread it, in turn, give opportunities to people who didn’t have them.” Especially in relation to female directors. “When you have a woman behind the camera, there are more of them on set and on screen, and particularly women over 40. We are creating an ecosystem. And that’s exciting because that’s what’s happening in society.” A society that cinema should support with all its movements.