Breaking Barriers: Women Filmmakers Share Their Stories at Kering’s Landmark Women In Motion Event in Shanghai
At this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, the spotlight wasn’t just on red carpets or box office hits—it was on real voices, real struggles, and real change. In a powerful panel hosted by the Kering Women In Motion initiative, four influential female figures from across the global film industry came together to share their challenges, triumphs, and the urgent need for deeper representation in cinema.
Held for the first time in China, the event brought together Chinese actor-producer Liang Jing, Brazilian filmmaker Luiza Mariani, Indian director-producer Kiran Rao, and actress Lyu Yanting, best known as the voice behind the titular character in the beloved animated hit Ne Zha. What emerged from their discussion was not just a conversation about gender in entertainment—but a rallying cry for inclusion, creativity, and visibility.
A Global Stage for a Shared Struggle
Kering’s Women In Motion series was first launched by the French luxury group to support women in the arts and culture sectors and push back against persistent gender inequality. This Shanghai edition marked a significant milestone—not only because it highlighted women’s voices in one of the world’s fastest-growing film markets, but because it emphasized the global nature of the challenges women in film continue to face.
Whether in Brazil, China, or India, the message was strikingly similar: women are still underrepresented, underfunded, and too often overlooked. But through grit, collaboration, and a commitment to telling authentic stories, change is happening—and women are leading the way.
Kiran Rao: Rewriting the Narrative in India
One of the most compelling voices on the panel was Kiran Rao, who has been a major force in Indian cinema for over two decades. Best known for producing the global blockbuster Dangal—a sports drama based on the real-life story of two Indian sisters who broke through the male-dominated world of wrestling—Rao spoke candidly about how far the industry has come, and how far it still has to go.
“In India, women’s participation in the film industry remains below 25 to 30 percent,” Rao said. “We really need to push that toward 50 percent.” She emphasized that representation isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about fundamentally changing the kinds of stories we tell and who gets to tell them.
“There’s this belief that audiences only want to see male heroes,” Rao explained. “That women are meant to be romantic co-leads and not leads themselves. But when women tell their own stories, we start to see complex, real, and powerful female characters that challenge patriarchal norms.”
Rao pointed to Dangal as proof that audiences do want these stories. The film grossed over $200 million in China alone, making it one of the highest-grossing non-Hollywood foreign films in Chinese history. “It showed us that women, everywhere, face similar barriers—and that stories about their strength and struggle resonate across cultures.”
Luiza Mariani: A Feminist Filmmaking Force in Brazil
Representing Latin America, Brazilian director and actress Luiza Mariani shared her experiences navigating an industry that has been historically dominated by men. Her latest film Cyclone, a deeply personal drama about a playwright who undergoes a back-street abortion, is in competition for the Shanghai festival’s top prize—the prestigious Golden Goblet.
What makes Cyclone even more notable is that it’s a film made entirely by women: from director to screenwriters to producers. “Ten years ago, that would have been impossible,” Mariani said. “Today in Brazil, about 15 percent of films are directed by women. That’s a big leap from the 1970s, when it was less than two percent. We’re finally breaking some rules—and rewriting them.”
She stressed the importance of women having control over their own narratives. “We’re not just making movies—we’re reclaiming our space. And that’s what drives me.”
Liang Jing: Perseverance and Speaking Out
Chinese actor and producer Liang Jing—who’s worked in both commercial and independent cinema—used her platform to speak directly to the next generation of women in film.
Her advice? “Work hard and don’t be afraid to speak up. Find your voice.”
Liang emphasized the need for resilience in a competitive and often unequal industry. She noted that while Chinese cinema has made major strides in terms of women’s participation and leadership, there is still a tendency to sideline female-driven narratives. But she sees the tide beginning to turn.
Recent box office successes like Jia Ling’s Yolo—a heartwarming boxing comedy that made over $485 million—and Shao Yihui’s feminist hit Her Story (which grossed $100 million) prove that audiences are more than ready for female-centric films that go beyond stereotypes.
“These films show that women’s stories are not niche,” Liang said. “They’re powerful, they’re profitable, and they deserve the spotlight.”
Lyu Yanting: Giving Voice to Animated Heroines
Rounding out the panel was Lyu Yanting, a voice actress who gave life to one of China’s most beloved animated characters: Ne Zha. In a traditionally male-dominated space like animation, Lyu’s work has quietly challenged gender norms and given young girls a new kind of role model.
While Lyu’s contributions may not be as visible on screen, her impact is just as important. “Voice acting requires you to bring a character to life using nothing but your voice,” she explained. “In many ways, it’s about putting yourself into someone else’s shoes—and making sure their story is told with heart.”
Her portrayal of Ne Zha—a rebellious, spirited child deity—has resonated with millions. “Ne Zha taught us that you don’t have to be born a hero to become one,” she said. “And I think that’s a message that applies to women in film, too.”
A Moment of Change—and Momentum
The Shanghai edition of Women In Motion arrived at a critical time. Globally, conversations about gender equality in the arts are gaining momentum. In China, female filmmakers are finally gaining the recognition—and box office returns—they deserve. Events like this help ensure that their voices are not just heard, but amplified.
What made this seminar truly special was its mix of perspectives: different continents, different languages, different experiences—but the same determination to see change.
As the panel concluded, what lingered wasn’t just talk about challenges. It was a shared vision for the future. One where women aren’t the exception in film—they’re the norm. One where girls watching today will grow up knowing there’s room for them in every part of the industry—from behind the camera to center stage.