My thoughts on moving forwards from #metoo
#MeToo in 2017
2017 finally exposed the behind the scenes activities of Harvey Weinstein and his cronies publicly As a woman working in the film industry everyone has been asking if I had a “Harvey story.” Of course I did, and others…
When #metoo hit the headlines last year, I was so pleased that we’ve finally admitted the problem exists. But now how to use the #metoo movement to generate something positive from something so negative? I started reflecting on how 2017 was a really powerful year for me in terms of empowering other women…
In October 2017 my feature documentary The Helper thrust the women of Hong Kong’s migrant domestic worker population into the spotlight and for the first time really highlighted both their potential and achievements under the most challenging circumstances. The response to the film has been overwhelming! Since we premiered in October my inboxes are constantly full of incredible messages of kindness and support for the film and the women we feature in it. We’ve changed lives with the generosity and opportunities this exposure has brought and that’s been very powerful to watch. I’ve also learnt a lot from it.
1) Shine a light
The power of this spotlight has made me realize that we need to do that for each other more! Beyond featuring as many awesome women as possible in my filmed work, I’m now resolved to make an even more conscious effort to promote and praise women that I know or discover. Sharing someone’s social posting might seem like a really small action, but my hope is that the more we raise each other up in little ways, that effect will slowly amplify.
2) Recommend each other
Similar to shining a light – take the action to recommend a woman you know. Whether this is in response to a specific request, or simply shooting over someone awesome’s work or resume to someone they might be a fit for at some point. It strengthens networks and increases potential.
3) Take a risk
Give people opportunities. Take calculated risks and people will mostly rise to the occasion and wow you. Just a few years ago Annika Feign the editor of The Helper was working with me as an intern. I found out she was a great editor by accident, then after just a couple of short-form projects realized she was insanely talented. She hadn’t cut a feature before, but nor had I directed one so we dove into the project together and the result was fantastic!
4) Don’t be afraid to ask
I’ve become very good this year at going out on a limb and asking for something that might seem a bit of a stretch. It might seem daunting, but it’s really easy if the beneficiary is someone else and/or a worthy cause! You would be surprised how happy people are to share their skills or ability to help empower others if they have the time and bandwidth.
And finally…
I’m not suggesting these little steps are going to change the world – but then Rome wasn’t built in a day! Better to be saying #metoo to actively being involved in finding a solution.
