More women get shot at directing

10 female directors to keep an eye on

Progress, however slight, is being made for women behind the camera. A disheartening study by San Diego State University’s Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film revealed that only 7% of the 250 highest-grossing films of 2016 had female directors. A new report that’s part of USC’s Media, Diversity & Social Change Initiative looked at the 1,000 top-grossing films of the last 10 years and found that 80% of female directors made just one movie in that time. Despite strides in diversity in the Oscar nominations, the best-director category is an all-male field for a seventh consecutive year. But there’s reason to be hopeful for 2017, with movie website Film School Rejects noting that 66 features with female directors are expected this year (up from 40 last year). USA TODAY’s Patrick Ryan highlights 10 women to keep an eye on.