Danish filmmaker May el-Toukhy discusses the ongoing gender gap in film and its historical roots, highlighting significant structural challenges.
At the Venice Film Festival, Danish filmmaker May el-Toukhy addressed the gender gap in the film industry during a press conference for her latest work, Woman Unknown. As the only female director competing for the prestigious Golden Lion this year among a total of 20 filmmakers, el-Toukhy emphasized the structural issues that contribute to this disenfranchisement.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, el-Toukhy described this imbalance as "a structural problem that is as old as cinema and even older than that." Her remarks come during a significant moment in her career, as Woman Unknown premieres in competition on September 6, 2026.
During her speech, el-Toukhy reflected on her own experiences as a female director. She noted the lack of women in key roles throughout the filmmaking process and how this impacts opportunities for female directors. "I've been the only woman in many settings," she stated, underscoring the broader challenges that many women in film face, from the education pipeline to securing budgets and attracting talent to their projects.
She also remarked on the media portrayal of male directors as "geniuses," a narrative she has rarely witnessed with female counterparts. “I've never heard a female director being called a genius,” she said, highlighting the cultural biases that may contribute to the gender gap in recognition and opportunities within the filmmaking industry.
El-Toukhy's position at the Venice Film Festival sheds light on the ongoing struggles female directors encounter. When the festival unveiled its lineup last month, her name was the only woman in a list of 20 filmmakers. A late addition brought the count to two with the documentary Neza, co-directed by Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, but the situation remains a stark reminder of the industry's inequalities.
El-Toukhy expressed that this situation emphasizes the urgent need for changes in the industry, stating, "It tells us there's still lots of work to do." Her film, which reflects on issues such as women's invisibility in historical contexts, may resonate with audiences who are increasingly aware of these disparities.
Woman Unknown is set in Denmark in 1945, where the protagonist navigates societal challenges and personal dilemmas following the German occupation. El-Toukhy's previous works, including Long Story Short and Queen of Hearts, have established her as a significant voice in Danish cinema, with Woman Unknown being her third feature film. Produced by Nordisk Film Production A/S, it reflects her dedication, having invested extensive time and resources into its creation.
This premiere at Venice marks a pivotal moment in her career. El-Toukhy expressed satisfaction with her festival presence, stating, “I've already won.”
The spotlight on May el-Toukhy at the Venice Film Festival not only emphasizes her own achievements but also serves as a rallying call for addressing gender disparities within the film industry. Her candid remarks about the systemic issues in filmmaking have the potential to spark discussions and actions aimed at creating more equitable opportunities for female directors in the future.
For more insights on related issues, see our articles on May el-Toukhy's work and the broader gender gaps in various cinematic forms, including May el-Toukhy Discusses 'Woman Unknown' and Venice Festival's Female Director Snub and Kristen Stewart’s Reflections on Gender in Hollywood.
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