Freedom in Filmmaking: Exploring the Underlying Aggressions of Women

In today's politically correct and often woke society, the discussion around female aggression is a controversial and neglected topic. The limitation of censorship is a critical aspect in the realm of filmmaking and storytelling. Creatives are often restrained by what they can and cannot depict, leading to a superficial representation of complex issues. This article delves into the importance of openly discussing female aggression in films and the hurdles faced by filmmakers who seek to highlight this intricate and often overlooked subject matter.

The Evils of Censorship in Filmmaking

Recently, I completed a short documentary on the Emergency Medical Service of NYC, which provided a glimpse into its operations and the issues that arose during its inception in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being accepted into two prestigious film festivals, the unique circumstances led to virtual online events, hampered by the constraints of the ongoing pandemic. Even today, in a supposedly free society, concerns about censorship remain prevalent. The ability to speak and write freely is compromised when filmmakers are wary of offending certain groups or adhering to stringent cultural norms.

A Feature-Length Script on Female Aggression

For years, I have harbored an idea that I dared not voice or pursue until recently. I have a draft script that is over seven years in the making, focusing on the dynamics of female aggression. The character of a woman driven to madness by another woman and her subsequent acts of revenge consume the narrative. The script delves into the sexual dynamics of aggression, an element often deemed too sensitive for mainstream audiences. However, this very sensitivity is the core of the story I wish to tell—something society grapples with but rarely addresses.

The Challenges of Bringing the Idea to Screen

Despite my personal conviction, the journey to bring this script to the screen is fraught with difficulties. The first hurdle is convincing a film production company that the project is financially viable. The private ownership of movie companies means that studios are reluctant to invest in risky or unconventional projects. Securing a producer who believes in the story is just the first step; convincing theaters to screen it is an additional challenge. Willingness to take financial risks is at the heart of the film industry's reluctance to support such concepts.

Furthermore, the fear of public backlash and potential censorship from producers adds another layer of complexity. Filmmakers are often constrained by the fear of offending audiences or being labeled as anti-women, which skews the narrative and limits the depth of exploration. What this means is that if I were not concerned about getting cancelled, I would be pushing to bring this idea to the screen.

The Spiritual Bias Towards Male Aggression

It is a widely accepted notion that male aggression is a more prominent issue, while the role of women in creating societal harm through aggression is often overlooked. Social media, a platform heavily dominated by women, frequently uses forms of aggression to defame and destroy. This double standard leaves a void in the discourse, as society is less willing to acknowledge women for their brutal, nuanced, and sometimes more covert forms of aggression.

The question arises: why would anyone take the risk to show that women are just as flawed as men, albeit in different ways? This is a critical point because the focus on male aggression often overshadows the equally harmful dynamics of female aggression. The portrayal of these women as victims or simply misunderstood can also be harmful, as it denies the reality of their actions and their impact on society.

The Role of Creatives in Addressing Social Issues

Creatives have a unique platform to challenge societal norms and bring about change. Filmmakers and writers have the power to explore these complex dynamics and humanize the characters they portray, thereby providing a more holistic view of female aggression. This is essential for fostering a more open and understanding society.

To conclude, the freedom to explore female aggression in filmmaking is crucial. It is a topic that deserves more attention and exploration to provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of human behavior. The challenges posed by censorship and public opinion should not prevent creatives from addressing such important issues openly and fearlessly.