Women are the disruptors of their societies and the agents of social change. While women are 49% of the population they are only:
• 32% of national parliamentarians worldwide
• 4.8% of CEO positions at S&P 500 companies
• less than 30% of researchers worldwide
• 24% of protagonists in Hollywood films
• 24% of the persons heard, read about or seen in newspaper, television and radio news
We believe that women must tell their stories in order for the status quo to change. The festival will feature powerful and engaging stories about women, their struggles, and successes. Activists and filmmakers from all over the world will be invited to Jerusalem to share their films and campaigns. For many, it will be their first trip to Jerusalem and an opportunity to witness and participate in the city’s diverse and tolerant cultural landscape.
The 49% Film Festival hopes to create a sustainable community. It is the flagship program of a new organization (The 49%) whose mission is to develop, advance, and promote women’s stories through film and media. We want to advance global women's rights by creating culture shifts through sharing women's stories and voices. Our goal is to have at least one festival per year in diverse communities. The Jerusalem festival is our inaugural event.
This event was made possible through the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation’s Grassroots Events program.
