It’s always intriguing when women take parts in male-dominated fields. One of those fields is film industry. Ask Mouly Surya, one of two female filmmakers who got selected by British Council to attend Birds Eye View (BEV) Film Festival 2014. BEV itself is a leading UK based organisation celebrating and supporting international women filmmakers. Founded in 2002, BEV hosts an annual film festival, training programmes, and advocates on behalf of women working in the film industry.
“When I made my first film, Fiksi in 2008, it was the first time I noticed that they never forget to mention about my gender in the media. I am never ‘a director’, but ‘a female director’. Along came the most asked famous question to every living female director: ‘What is the hardest part about being a female director?’ ” Mouly explained people’s excitement about her part in film industry.
Together with Mieske Taurisia, a producer, In April she went to London and met other female filmmakers. For Mieske, visiting London during BEV International Film Festival was such an inspiring week. BEV provided the right people that have interests and supports independent films, with vary expertise from producers, distributors, film festivals even publicists.
“Working as independent film producer requires creativity in so many levels. And these filmmakers are focusing on making films with diversity, either content or method-wise, despite all obstacles we faced in our own country. Being together in the same room and exchanged experiences, (we) encouraged each other. Thank you British Council Indonesia for the opportunity! This truly showed your commitment in supporting local filmmakers. Hopefully more filmmakers will join the programme continually in the future,” she said.