You could name more than 5 French film actresses over 50 ? If this challenge seems difficult to you … it is. And a study says so.
7% of roles attributed to actresses over 50
After this age marks the end of a second career industry standardthese actresses are considerably underrepresented of French cinema. This was also observed this year the Aafa (Associated actresses and actors from France).
For 7 years, the association has counted the roles played by women over 50 in films released in France within a year. The Aafa summarizes his work with this formula: “To count, you have to count yourself “. Remember that in France, one in two adult women is over 50: a reality completely hidden in fiction :
Seven years and a #MeToo later, are things changing? Answer: not yet! ON all French films went out 2021alone 7% of the roles were assigned to actresses over 50. In 2020 it was 9%; in 2019: 8%; in 2016: 6%; and in 2015: 8%.
These figures should be put into perspective with the proportion of roles assigned to actors over 50. In the case of men, the figures reach 16% in 2021 … not even more than double !
What impact does it have when the film is directed by a woman?
The Aafa pushed the slider further on the accuracy of his study by asking the following question. It is the representation of women more faithful to the demographic situation in France when the films are made by women?
Unfortunately, there is no great progress nor on this side. The women behind the camera just attribute themselves 8.5% roles for actresses over 50. It is not even 1.5% more than their fellow directors.
However, there is certainly better engagement from female directors. Indeed, these show as many men as women over 50 years on the screen. On the contrary, the directors show twice as many men over 50 as women of the same age : they represent 18% characters when I’m alone 7%.
In short, it would be time for French cinema to end his sexist and ageist obsession.
Featured image credit: © Gaumont
Source: Madmoizelle
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
