International Women's Day 11-16: Female representation on film

Diversity on film is a key topic in the film industry and this assembly is aimed at helping young people to discuss the representation of female characters on film using the Bechdel Test and the F-Rating as a framework. The Bechdel Test is used in this assembly as a fun way of analysing how women are represented on film, and starting a conversation about whether this is fair. The F-Rating is included to stimulate debate about equal representation behind the scenes within the industry, and how this affects the films that are made. Young people will apply the Bechdel Test and the F-Rating to clips from popular films before discussing the effect of these campaigns to instigate change within the industry.

The extension activities will allow students to explore the issues presented in the assembly in a creative and analytical manner. The resource is suitable to be used in an assembly format, in a film club setting or for use in the classroom (guidance is given below).