Women are just as capable as men in the film industry, often possessing greater empathy and attentiveness, said female filmmakers in China.
In interviews with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), several female filmmakers, while expressing frustration, showed their great confidence in the industry.
"Honestly, for women, I think their biggest disadvantage is time, energy and health. Between the ages of 30 and 40, they may have to prioritize family commitments," said Zhao Nan, a film recordist.
"As it stands, the film and television industry remains largely a male-dominated industry. Otherwise, why would a director be labeled as a 'female director' and set apart in this way? If there ever comes a day, when it is no longer necessary to specify the gender before a job title, we may achieve balance," said Zhang Dage, a director.
The female filmmakers argued that there are no ability differences between men and women in the industry.
"Being a colorist has nothing to do with gender. What matters are the skills to handle different types of films," said Fu Shu, a film colorist.
"Every two or three years, I collaborate with a female director, and up to now, I have never noticed any differences between men and women working in this industry," said Zhao.
"I believe the strengths of female creators lie in their empathy, attention to detail and their way of seeing the world," said Zhang.
"It also includes attentiveness and more. Women definitely have an edge when it comes to emotional intelligence," said Deng Lu, a director of photography.
Women just as capable as men in film industry: female filmmakers
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
