May El-Toukhy discusses her experience as one of two female directors in Venice Film Festival's main competition, highlighting ongoing gender disparity in film.
May El-Toukhy’s psychological thriller, Woman Unknown, is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. El-Toukhy is one of only two female directors among a predominantly male lineup, announced on September 4, 2026, by Deadline. This year, she joins Rachel Szor, marking a significant moment while highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women in film.
In an interview with Deadline, El-Toukhy expressed her feelings about being one of the few women in the running for the Golden Lion, stating, "I’ve been the only woman in many, many settings." She emphasized the persistence of gender imbalance in the industry, signifying a larger structural issue that has persisted since the inception of cinema. El-Toukhy underscored that despite progress in some areas, the lack of representation remains a critical concern, noting, "It tells us there's still lots of work to do."
Set in Denmark during the summer of 1945, Woman Unknown follows the journey of Marie, a nanny and housemaid, amid a turbulent societal backdrop following World War II. As Marie navigates her imminent marriage to a wealthy employer, she faces a darker reality; women accused of associating with German soldiers are publicly shamed and punished. According to El-Toukhy, the film draws from historical events surrounding the treatment of women post-war, likening the societal structures that permitted such humiliation to ongoing cultural attitudes toward female filmmakers today.
El-Toukhy elaborated on how research into witch hunts during Denmark's Protestant Reformation led her to explore themes of female shame and societal complicity. Her approach aims to forge a narrative addressing the harsh realities of womanhood during and after the war.
The Venice Film Festival's decision to include Woman Unknown in the competition this year comes after a notable trend toward recognizing female directors, with three women winning the Golden Lion since 2020. However, El-Toukhy's initial solo presence among 19 male directors in the main competition raised questions about the festival's commitment to gender equality.
El-Toukhy’s return to filmmaking with Woman Unknown is her first project in seven years, reflecting her sustained commitment to exposing societal issues through challenging narratives. The film is produced by Mikael Rieks and has been described as both a thriller and a deeper societal examination, intertwining entertainment with poignant themes of historical relevance.
El-Toukhy’s participation in the Venice Film Festival not only brings awareness to the underrepresentation of women in film but also highlights the ongoing challenges female filmmakers face in gaining recognition and creating impactful work. Although strides have been made within the industry, such as the recognition of female directors at international festivals, the path to equality remains fraught with obstacles. El-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown aims to catalyze dialogue on these issues while presenting a unique historical narrative. Previously uncharted stories of women’s experiences in tumultuous times are now at the forefront, making these discussions more relevant than ever.
For more insights on the festival and its featured films, see our reports on Jack Huston Discusses Paul Schrader's 'The Basics of Philosophy' at Venice Film Festival and Tamar AI’s TapNow Launch AI Filmmaking Initiative at Venice Production Bridge.
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