What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing more women and LGBTQ directors from making it in the film industry?

There's not only one single reason, but rather a tangle of interconnected issues that has made it harder for women directors and LGBTQ directors to succeed in the film industry. Here are some of the biggest obstacles:

The film industry has traditionally been dominated by white men, and they often control access to funding, film distribution, and mentorship making it difficult for outsiders to break in.

Decision-makers might not even realize that they're overlooking women directors and LGBTQ directors, whether its assuming certain stories are better suited for a male perspective or having a mental image of what a director "looks like."

Funding is another major obstacle. Films directed by women directors and LGBTQ directors often struggle to secure funding limiting the kind of stories they can tell, making it harder for them to build or maintain a successful track record.

Women are often relegated to directing romantic comedy films or drama films, while LGBTQ directors are seen as suited for coming-of-age stories. This has limited their creative freedom and made it harder for them to showcase their versatility.

The film industry is very demanding and unforgiving, with long hours and a constant pressure to deliver. This is especially challenging for women and LGBTQ people who face additional societal pressures around family life or discrimination.