In a matter of mere weeks, the new Barbie movie has broken multiple records. With global box-office sales topping $1 billion, the movie is now the biggest film to be directed by one woman – Greta Gerwig, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the live-action film with screenwriter Noah Baumbach.
According to media reports, the film also is reported to currently be the second-highest-grossing film of 2023, the 10th-fastest-grossing film to reach $1 billion worldwide, and the 40th-highest-grossing film of all time.
With the film gaining international attention for breaking barriers for women in Hollywood, WFMJ-21 Youngstown reached out to Dana White, assistant professor in Kent State University’s School of Media and Journalism, for her thoughts on what this groundbreaking shift means for women directors today.
Watch Dana White's intervivew on WFMJ-21.
What Does Barbie’s Success Mean for Female Filmmakers?
“It’s hugely significant,” White told WFMJ’s “21 News at 5.” “I think it’s amazing. I hope it does [lead to more jobs/opportunities for women in Hollywood].”
White says the biggest obstacle today for female directors is funding.
“Money is the biggest hurdle,” said White. “I think the content is there, the talent is there but I think it’s really hard for female filmmakers to get money. When you can’t get money to make your movies, you can’t make your movie. That is why this is really significant and hopefully this starts to build trust in all areas of the filmmaking world to allow women to have opportunities.”
Female Filmmakers Initiative
Another barrier for women in film has been a lack of support. To address this, White founded the Female Filmmakers Initiative at Kent State, which provides opportunities and experiences for aspiring women filmmakers. The initiative focuses on female-driven content to allow the voices of women to be heard in filmmaking.
“When I first got here it was so clear to me that the young women I was teaching wanted a place to be a community,” she said. “That’s why I started the Female Filmmakers Initiative, because I felt there needed to be a community for women where they felt they could play, explore, and have their voices and it’s just exploded. They’re amazing. It’s consistently growing because women want a place at the table.”