During the 15th edition of the ‘Salón Internacional de la Luz’ in Bogotá, a vital conversation took place for the Ibero-American film industry. Titled “Gender Diversity in Ibero-American Cinematography”, the panel presented by EFD Studios in collaboration with the Colombian Association of Cinematographic Directors of Photography (ADFC), brought together trailblazing women who have broken barriers in their respective countries.
The panel featured Georgina Terán (CEO of EFD Studios), Nuria Roldós (President of the AEC, Spain), Diana Garay (Co-president of the AMC, Mexico), and Adriana Bernal (Director of Photography, ADFC and Vice President of IMAGO, Colombia), all pioneers in the field of cinematography. The conversation was moderated by Alexandra Falla, Director of the Colombian Film Heritage Foundation.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists shared personal stories, professional lessons, and deep reflections on the ongoing challenges faced by women in technical leadership roles such as cinematography. From the constant need to prove themselves to the limited presence of female role models in the recent history of Ibero-American cinematography, the panel exposed both progress and persistent gaps.
“We seek out scripts, made by women, to co-produce and to try to change the narrative through the projects we support. We will continue working hard: through education, practice, and content”, stated Georgina Terán, reaffirming the commitment to driving change from the production side.
More than a diagnosis, the panel served as a call to action. The participants agreed that transforming the industry requires both public policies and everyday decisions on set. This includes integrating more women into technical crews and fostering more collaborative, kind, and equitable working environments.
“We speak from a place of privilege. It’s not our fault we made it here, but it is our responsibility to open doors”, said Diana Garay, emphasizing the importance of turning privilege into opportunity for others. At the same time, the panel underscored that the responsibility for change cannot rest solely on women: rethinking power dynamics, representation, and leadership in the audiovisual world must be a collective effort.
The conversation not only shed light on the challenges that remain but also mapped out clear pathways for action: building diverse teams, amplifying role models, reimagining narratives, and committing to transforming the industry from within.
As Adriana Bernal aptly noted: “Changes in behavior are what ultimately change societies.” At EFD Studios, we firmly believe that every conversation, every project, and every intentional decision can help build a more equitable and representative cinematic landscape for all.
