Jessica Chastain: ‘The way women are portrayed in film is truly disturbing’

Jessica Chastain is getting a lot of praise today for her criticism of the way women are portrayed in film.

Speaking at the closing press conference at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Chastain said that the way female characters are represented in films is disturbing and says that the lack of female film-makers plays a big part. “I’ve watched 20 films in 10 days, and the one thing I really took away from this experience is how the world views women from the female characters I saw represented in these movies. "And it was quite disturbing, if I’m honest,” she said at the conference. “There were exceptions but for the most part I was surprised by the representation of female characters on screen in these films. “I do hope that when we include more female storytellers we will have more of the women I recognise in my day-to-day life. “The ones that don’t just react to the men around them - they have their own point of view.”

Say that, @jes_chastain. pic.twitter.com/H7QHnEE5JA

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 29, 2017

Chastain's words have been shared online in the thousands since yesterday, and have clearly struck a chord with so many who feel they are not accurately represented in film.

AMEN! Well said @jes_chastain. ❤️!And love to you ladies @ava & @paolamendoza ?? https://t.co/5IuBLI6jtP

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) May 30, 2017

On the jury at Cannes, had the platform to say whatever she wanted, and spoke her truth! https://t.co/xYxvh8Y31p

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) May 30, 2017

It takes courage to speak truth to power. Thank you @jes_chastain for speaking truth and representing the voices of millions! https://t.co/WOZUxHvhE1

— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) May 30, 2017

Truly badass. https://t.co/UdnRsNPYhS

— Aidy Bryant (@aidybryant) May 30, 2017

THANK YOU! The smattering of applause juxtaposed w/ the strength of this truth makes your statement even more powerful @jes_chastain https://t.co/808SDMiODm

— Jaime King (@Jaime_King) May 30, 2017

The film festival has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of female film-makers. Sofia Coppola made headlines this week after she became only the second woman to win the award for best screenplay at the festival. An achievement so rare, it was newsworthy.