• by Fern Siegel , March 14, 2023

Early cinema featured women directors — a reality that faded in the ensuing centuries. In fact, women make up less than 30% of filmmakers, according to Women and Hollywood.

Of the top 100 grossing films of 2019, women represented 10.7% of directors, 19.4% of writers and 24.3% of producers.

Johnnie Walker hopes to change those stats — inspiring future generations of women story tellers and proving better access to women-told stories.

The company salutes women trailblazers who changed film by utilizing one of Hollywood’s most recognized symbols: the red carpet. Unveiled at the 16th annual Women in Film (WIF) Oscar Party, the artwork celebrates seven key female filmmakers: Ana Lily Amirpour, Janicza Bravo, Christine Choy, Julie Dash, Claire Denis, Wanuri Kahiu and Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Johnnie Walker also released a 30-second spot titled “Fabric of Film” with creative agency Anomaly that highlights the overlooked achievements of women in cinema.

The spot was rolled out via digital, social, and out-of-home placements throughout Hollywood and around the Dolby Theatre this past weekend. The spot will also be shared nationally across all Johnnie Walker-owned social and digital platforms, Hearst brands, Vanity Fair and Spotlight Cinema Networks.

“The stories being told by women deserve to be celebrated, and we need to see and hear more of them,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP whiskies at Diageo North America. “As we roll out our own red carpet in partnership with WIF, Johnnie Walker is proud to recognize all the incredible trailblazers, whose voices are shaping culture and the entertainment industry, and we hope our continued work inspires others to join us in taking steps towards a more equitable future."

Kirsten Schaffer, the Chief Executive Officer of WIF, added: “Johnnie Walker is a brand that has shown its commitment to advancing gender equity and we’re proud to have them as our partners helping to build a world that values women by empowering them to tell the stories that shape our culture.”

Johnnie Walker teamed with MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, to offer unlimited, 30-day free subscriptions. Consumers 21+ can watch women-made films here.