[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]hat a fantastic time to be alive and witness the revolutionary transformation of a multi-billion dollar industry that has an impressive track record of shaping generations through the art of storytelling.
The future already looks promising in light of recent events in which a large number of courageous men and women have come forward to shed light on the chauvinistic behavior and actions that have been plaguing Hollywood since its inception – and we are just getting started.
There couldn’t be a more perfect time to be in the industry, most especially for women aspiring to be filmmakers, writers, and actors.
The Time’s Up Movement
With great power comes great… corruption, bribery, discrimination, harassment, and predatory practices. Unethically taking advantage of a position of power is prevalent not just in the entertainment industry but across all fields of business.
“Unfortunately, too many centers of power – from legislatures to boardrooms to executive suites and management to academia – lack gender parity and women do not have equal decision-making authority. This systemic gender-inequality and imbalance of power foster an environment that is ripe for abuse and harassment against women.” – Time’s Up Movement
We owe it all to the brave souls who started the conversation and gave us an avenue to voice out what has been by far the most sickening plight that women have had to endure. Thus, the Time’s Up Movement came into existence, a powerful cure to eradicate the source of the problem and heal the wounded.
1 in 3 women ages 18 to 34 have been sexually harassed at work. 71% of those women said they did not report it.
Statistics speak for themselves and the numbers are alarming. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
But this movement assures us that we are not alone in this struggle and the battle to seek equal and fair treatment will be the greatest fight we’ll ever conquer; it will be empowering and life-changing. Predators will be held accountable and justice will be served at last.
Influential people in their respective industries who are utilizing their platforms to facilitate change and create a healthy environment for current and future generations is the breakthrough we all need to live a life we deserve and we’re proud of.
The future generation of filmmakers
In dealing with any problem, prevention is always better than a cure. To the present and future generation of filmmakers, we should know better and thus do better by stopping history from repeating itself. We should never settle for less or bend our morals when it comes to pursuing our heart’s desires.
Let us take to heart the wise words of one of the most influential women in the world, Oprah Winfrey, and I quote:
“Know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say “Me too” again.”
Gone are the days when succumbing to sexual harassment, abuse of power, and inequality is part of the job description for women who are actively shaping the business, as well as the dreamers who are trying to break in the entertainment industry.
This is the kind of story that will transcend time and you will look back with utter joy for being part of the movement that produced the greatest masterpiece that Hollywood has ever made.
