‘We Need Stronger Support Systems’: Women Filmmakers Call for Collaboration and Creative Space

A dynamic panel of women filmmakers and actors has called for greater equity, visibility, and creative freedom in independent cinema, stressing that empathy remains the defining force of women’s storytelling.

Speaking at the session titled “A Global India Through Independent Cinema: A Women’s Panel,” actor-filmmaker Rajni Basumatary, cinematographer Fowzia Fathima, actor-filmmaker Rachel Griffiths, and actor Meenakshi Jayan on Thursday underscored the need for stronger collaboration and more supportive ecosystems to empower women creators.

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The discussion opened with reflections on empathy as a defining element of women’s filmmaking. Fowzia spoke of how the entire creative process, from the spark of an idea to the final frame, is grounded in empathy, enabling filmmakers to transform local narratives into stories with global resonance.

Rajni added that women often notice the smallest details of life, and it is these subtle observations that allow their films to give voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.

When the conversation turned toward representation, the panel explored whether women feel more seen in the industry today. Rachel shared that her own industry has a growing number of women cinematographers and producers. Fowzia recounted the evolution of the Indian Women Cinematographers’ Collective, which began in 2017 with a few members and has now grown to nearly 200, spanning juniors to seniors.

She explained how the collective fosters mentorship and collaboration, offering the kind of supportive environment women have long needed in the industry.

Fowzia, who served on the first selection panel for this Kerala State Government initiative supporting women-led films, pointed out concerns about men submitting projects under women’s names, underscoring the continued need for vigilance.

On the question of how actors shape on-set narratives, Meenakshi noted that newcomers often lack the freedom to choose their collaborators; however, as her career progresses, she hopes to work with more women filmmakers. Rajni observed that OTT platforms have expanded the kinds of roles available to women, giving them greater depth and presence.