Breaking the Mold Behind the Camera
At the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival (BIFF), four trailblazers gave us a front-row seat to the shifting landscape of the Chinese mainland's film industry. While women have often been confined to on-screen roles, roles behind the scenes—from sound design to color grading—are now seeing a surge in female talent. Festival organizers report that the share of women in technical positions has more than doubled since 2015, signaling a powerful move toward inclusivity.
Voices from the Front Lines of Film
Deng Lu, who started as a camera assistant before rising to director of photography and now also directing her own projects, recalls, "Every frame is a chance to tell a story for someone who rarely sees themselves represented." Zhao Nan, an award-winning sound designer, adds, "Sound bridges worlds—when women shape that sound, we bring new dimensions to the audience experience." Meanwhile, colorist Fu Shu has transformed countless scenes with her nuanced palettes, proving that technical roles and creative vision go hand in hand.
Toward a Gender-Neutral Industry
Director Zhang Dage sums it up: "If there ever comes a day when it is no longer necessary to specify the gender before a job title, we may achieve balance." Her words capture the goal driving many young voices on the mainland and beyond: a film industry where skill, not stereotypes, defines opportunity.
These personal stories show that real change happens when diverse perspectives shape the art of filmmaking. As women continue to break barriers—both in front of and behind the camera—the future of global cinema looks brighter, more inclusive, and richer in storytelling.
Curious about how women in your favorite film markets are redefining their roles? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
