Gender equity in film exhibition: An interview with Equal Media & Culture Centre

We have partnered with the Equal Media and Culture Centre for Scotland (EMCC) to research the experience of women in Scotland’s film exhibition sector. 

At Film Hub Scotland (FHS), one of our key priorities is to support projects that display a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, both on screen and within the workforce. 

Gender equity forms a key part of an inclusive, thriving workforce. We have partnered with EMCC to conduct research on gender equity within Scotland’s film exhibition sector. This research will enable us to identify – and amplify – areas where change may be required. 

Firstly, we will survey individuals in FHS member organisations to understand their perception and/or experience of gender equity. These results – and their follow-up interviews – will form the backbone of a report that we will share with participants, stakeholders and funders. 

The survey will close on 15th October. There a 4 x £100 John Lewis vouchers available for those who complete the survey.

→ Take the survey: Gender Equity in Scottish film exhibition

Ahead of launch, FHS’ Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Anna Ireland, and EMCC’s Project Manager Katie Goh shared the impetus for this research – and why it matters.

Tell us about the work you do at Equal Media and Culture Centre/Film Hub Scotland:

Katie: The Equal Media and Culture Centre (EMCC for short) is an intersectional feminist hub for research, monitoring and advocacy for women’s equality in Scotland’s culture and media sectors. We’re a project based at Engender, Scotland’s feminist policy and advocacy organisation, and we officially launched in 2023. EMCC was developed through a recommendation by the National Advisory Council for Women and Girls, that Scotland should have its own Women in Media Body, and we’ve since expanded our remit to include culture too. Our vision is a Scottish society where women’s equal contribution to culture and media is fully realised and recognised, and we work with organisations like Film Hub Scotland to move towards this vision.

Anna: At FHS we support a network of 300+ film exhibitors across Scotland. Essentially, anyone that shows film, from a large cinema to a tiny community hall, can join as a member. We offer training, support and funding for our members to show independent and ‘non-mainstream’ film titles. The aim is to ensure that people across Scotland – regardless of geography or circumstance – can enjoy a diverse range of films. We are funded by the BFI National Lottery and Screen Scotland. 

What was the impetus for this project?

Katie: We’ve been aware of FHS’ important role in the film exhibition sector for some time, and we initially met to share our work and discuss possible future collaborations. At EMCC, we work to improve women’s equality structurally and through policy change. We also always want to work with sector leaders, who can speak to sector-specific concerns, so collaborating with a network organisation like FHS, which supports hundreds of film exhibitors in Scotland, is a fantastic opportunity for us to reach many different women in film exhibition.

“At EMCC, we work to improve women’s equality structurally and through policy change” – Katie Goh

Anna: We originally met with EMCC to learn more about their fantastic work within Scotland’s cultural sector. As we spoke, it became clear that there may be some interesting crossover between what we do. We were aware of the limited research on gender equity, and the experience of women, in Scotland’s film exhibition sector. EMCC seemed like the perfect partner with which to explore this area; we are both able to use the outcome of the research to inform our future work.

Why does this kind of research matter?

Katie: While we know that women in the culture sector face gender inequality in many forms, including the gender pay gap, sexual harassment and bullying, gendered care responsibilities and a lack of career opportunities, we don’t have specific knowledge about inequality in the film exhibition sector. In order to drive structural policy change, we need to gather and analyse sector-specific data, so that we can make evidence-driven recommendations. At EMCC, we always want to hear from women about what changes they want to see in their sector, so that our research and recommendations can improve their experiences with the long-term aim of creating a more inclusive and fair sector for everyone.

“In order to drive structural policy change, we need to gather and analyse sector-specific data, so that we can make evidence-driven recommendations” – Katie Goh

Anna: A key priority for us at FHS, as outlined by the BFI Screen Culture Strategy 2033, is supporting projects that champion equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). By making this a requirement of our funding, we encourage our members to place EDI at the forefront of the work they do. However, on a more macro level, we try to reinforce positive change across the Scottish creative industries as a whole. This means that the landscape for our members becomes more inclusive and, as a result, hopefully improves culture for everyone. That’s where research like this comes in!

What is the aim of this project?

Anna: Ultimately, we want to understand how our sector currently supports – or fails to support – gender equity, and what can be done to ensure an equitable sector for all. This is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of the sector; instead, we hope our initial survey will inform more detailed, expansive research on gender inequity in the Scottish exhibition sector in the future.

How can I share my views?

Complete the survey here!

About EMCC

EMCC research, monitor and advocate for equality in Scotland’s creative and media sector. They work towards a future where media and culture in Scotland reflects the rich diversity of society and promote equal opportunities for all. They take an intersectional approach to this work, recognising the relationship across marginalisation based on race, ethnicity, class, disability, and sexual orientation, as well as gender.

About Film Hub Scotland

Part of the BFI Film Audience Network, Film Hub Scotland is one of eight Hubs set up across the UK to extend film choice, increase and broaden film audiences, and enhance opportunities for audiences to engage with and learn about film. Film Hub Scotland supports 300+ film exhibitors across Scotland – from community cinemas to multi-arts venues – with funding, training and events to help Scotland’s exhibitors become truly inclusive, and reach as many new and existing audiences as possible.