Le mentorat fait de la magie du cinéma pour les femmes à la télévision

Harriet Gavshon, a prominent figure in South Africa's film and television industry, has spent nearly three decades shaping the landscape through her leadership at Quizzical Pictures. Now transitioning from founder-owner to creative director, Gavshon highlights the persistent gender imbalance in the industry, particularly in behind-the-scenes roles. According to recent reports, such as Gender Matters in the SA Film Industry, women are significantly underrepresented in key positions, including direction, writing, and executive producing. Data shows that only 11% of national feature films have female directors, and just 16% are written by women. This disparity extends beyond creative roles, women trail men in economic decision-making, especially in financial management and executive producing. The division of labor on sets remains heavily gendered, with few women holding technical crew positions. Sound engineering, lighting, and camera departments are predominantly male, while women often work in wardrobe and makeup. Editing is one of the few technical areas where women are more visible, yet men continue to dominate the post-production sector. Gavshon attributes this imbalance to systemic barriers that have historically excluded women from leadership and creative roles. However, she emphasizes that mentorship and internship programs have played a pivotal role in addressing these gaps. Over the past three decades, she has implemented a robust program that has helped launch the careers of 100 individuals, many of whom have since become experts in their respective fields. One such individual is Mmapula Letsoalo, who edited episodes of Reyka after interning at Quizzical Pictures. Letsoalo credits mentorship and hands-on learning during her internship with providing the initial push needed to enter the industry. “Everyone needs that first push to get them going,” she says, echoing Gavshon’s belief in the transformative power of supportive environments. Tammy Lewis-Houghting, a line producer with two decades of experience, also credits her early career opportunities to Gavshon. During her final year of university, Lewis-Houghting was approached by Gavshon to intern on Hard Copy, a television series set in a newsroom. That experience laid the groundwork for her successful career. “Quizzical gave me my first real opportunity and, more importantly, they trusted me with meaningful responsibility from the beginning,” she recalls. “I was encouraged to learn, ask questions, take on responsibility and become a valued part of the team.” Lewis-Houghting now applies the same principles in her work, advocating for inclusivity and supporting emerging talent. Her motto, “Bring others with me,” reflects her commitment to creating environments where young women can thrive. Other notable figures in the industry also attribute their success to mentorship and internship programs. These women, operating in traditionally male-dominated areas, emphasize how early exposure and guidance have enabled them to navigate and excel in the field. Their stories underscore the importance of structured support systems in breaking down barriers and fostering diversity. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like those led by Gavshon offer a blueprint for sustainable change. With continued investment in mentorship and training, there is hope that the gender gap in South Africa's film and television industry will gradually narrow.