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Home • Celebrity

#TimesUp: Tessa Thompson Challenges Hollywood To Work With More Female Directors

The 4 percent challenge asks actors and producers to work with more female directors in the next 18 months.
#TimesUp: Tessa Thompson Challenges Hollywood To Work With More Female Directors
HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: Actress Tessa Thompson attends the premiere of “Woodshock” at ArcLight Cinemas on September 18, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
By Paula Rogo · Updated October 23, 2020
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Tessa Thompson and the Times Up movement have challenged Hollywood to make more of an effort to hire more female directors — and many are responding positively. The Thor actress announced the 4 percent challenge while at the Sundance Film Festival, asking actors and producers to work with more female directors in the next 18 months. “Because only 4 percent of the top 100 studio films over the last decade have been directed by women, Times Up is initiating a challenge, the 4 percent challenge, and I intend to take it,” she said. “I commit to working with a female director in the next 18 months.”

“Because only 4% of the top 100 studio films over the last DECADE have been directed by women, #TIMESUP is initiating a challenge, the 4% challenge, and I intend to take it: I commit to working with a female director in the next 18 months.” –@TessaThompson_x #TIMESUPX2 pic.twitter.com/GjsuqeryKj

— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) January 26, 2019
In a tweet, she also added that she was committed to “doubling the number of women and POC journalist covering the films I have coming out this year.”

I also committed to Doubling the number of women and POC journalist covering the films I have coming out this year. (One in April and in June). TimesUpx2 https://t.co/WFFSXSwuhB

— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) January 26, 2019
Some of Hollywood’s most progressive producers and actors have already taken up the challenge, including Jordan Peele, Reese Witherspoon, and Rosie Perez.

You know I’m in!!!! https://t.co/uQaf5h9rzC

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 27, 2019

Sorry for previous typo… I'm down. 💯@TIMESUPNOW
#4percentChallenge. https://t.co/q2GIPPufF3

— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) January 27, 2019

Count me in @TessaThompson_x #TIMESUPX2 🙋🏼‍♀️Support #FemaleFilmmakers https://t.co/Kj4FJqTBhs

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2019

We’ve got this! #4percentChallenge https://t.co/qDQlfXXWtS

— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) January 27, 2019
As one of artists and activists in Hollywood who created the #TimesUp movement in response to sexual assault, equity and equal pay in the workplace, the Dear White People star has made it clear that she’s willing and ready to bring that message to a global stage. Go Tessa!
TOPICS:  tessa thompson Times Up