Gyllenhaal flags systemic sexism in film financing at Venice

Maggie Gyllenhaal, who leads Venice’s jury, argues there is a systemic problem that makes it harder for women to secure financing and recognition for their films, noting only a small number of women are among the Golden Lion contenders. The festival faced criticism for its lineup but has since expanded the main competition with NAZA, a documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. Gyllenhaal emphasizes that cinema is political and capable of empathy, and her own Flesh Impact will screen out of competition; the jury also includes Kaouther Ben Hania, Johnnie To, Shahrbanoo Sadat, Xavier Giannoli, Daniel Blumberg, and Francesco Casetti.