Maggie Gyllenhaal opened her tenure as Venice jury president by calling out the shortage of women filmmakers competing for the Golden Lion. She concluded the festival by awarding the prize to May el‑Toukhy’s "Woman Unknown," the only film in competition directed solely by a woman, describing the moment as "like a laser beam."
Why it matters
Her actions show her commitment to promoting women filmmakers, which matters to fans who follow her advocacy work.
Key facts
- Gyllenhaal began her term as Venice jury president by criticizing the lack of women filmmakers in the Golden Lion race.
- She awarded the Golden Lion to "Woman Unknown," the sole film directed exclusively by a woman in competition.
- She said the decision felt "like a laser beam."
Evidence
Credible reporting, but no official confirmation yet.
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