Shahrbanoo Sadat and Jelena Maksimović Call Out Bias in Film Funding at Tokyo Festival

At the Tokyo International Film Festival, Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat and Serbian filmmaker Jelena Maksimović highlighted how discrimination against women in cinema begins long before festivals, at the funding and development stage. Sadat, known for her award-winning work, argued that institutional ignorance and a lack of financial support keep women at an inherent disadvantage, limiting their ability to tell stories. Maksimović echoed these concerns, pointing to systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing key resources. The discussion, part of a talk on the future of women’s cinema, underscored the need for structural change in how films are financed and developed. By naming these gatekeeping practices, the filmmakers aim to push the industry toward more inclusive decision-making. As global conversations about gender equity in film grow, their message at Tokyo serves as a call to action for funders and institutions to address bias at its root.