Many thanks to all those that signed the petition. (currently over 900)It was great to see so many names from around the world. The petition is now with the organisers of the festival. Let’s hope we don’t have to go through this all over again next year…

Here are a few of my favourite comments:

“Women are a creative force in film. To disregard this by not including women directors in this year’s program is both offensive and disrespectful to women directors and filmmakers around the world”.

“As an emerging Woman Director it saddens me that more opportunities for woman are not given to showcase their talent. Please could this serious oversight be looked into and dealt with.”

“Stunned. ‘Cannes’ is a responsible CREATOR of the industry, as well as a critical commentator. Take responsibility”.

“This is inexcusable. There’s no wonder women are reluctant to enter male-dominated fields when they know any contributions will be ignored or treated as less-than. Shape up please, Cannes!”

“Women have to do it themselves.”

“EVERY major festival has a selection committee that consists of man and woman except CANNES FILM FESTIVAL. Director of Cannes is interested in the world, which existed half a century ago! It is shame for France, it is shame for us who are watching what that old-fashion concept offers!”

“It’s strange that the film which has the ‘honour’ of closing the Cannes film festival was directed by a women but not considered good enough for the competition. If the panel of judges was 50/50 – would there be more films directed by women? We are not asking for special treatment – just a fair chance”

“I am shocked to discover the level of inequity in a festival that celebrates all facets of human experiences. Categories need to be created beyond the standard. Men and women should compete with their own sex just as in sport. The way the system is now is blind and creates a false set of values.”

“The message that you send to women around the world forty years after the women’s rights movement is that there has been no change and you, as a powerful and influential group, don’t care. Is this really what you want to say to half of the population of the world?”

“Cannes can be a major FORCE OF CHANGE in bringing the brilliance and genius of women to the lime light. Putting no thought into women directed films is a Missed Opportunity.”

“I am a woman. I exist. I’m tired of the film industry forgetting about me, until it’s time to get to the money in my pocket…”
Many more comments are online and I believe you can still sign over the next few days

http://www.petitiononline.com/Cannes10/petition.html

Read the final round-up on Melissa’s blog at

www.womenandhollywood.com

Tags: Cannes, Cannes film festival, Hollywood, women directors

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