The Audiovisual Hub disseminates this study that confirms the profound transformation of Spanish audiovisuals in the presence of women, although structural gaps persist that demand sustained policies, real diversity, and sectoral commitment.
There are reports that not only measure, but also challenge. The tenth edition of the CIMA Report, prepared by the sociologist Sara Cuenca and financed by the ICAA, draws a precise picture of the achievements, challenges, and opportunities in terms of equality in Spanish cinema. Ten years after the first study, the sector has advanced: from 26% female participation in 2015 to 38% in 2024. If the trend continues, a minimum of 40%, considered equitable at the institutional level, could be reached for the first time in 2026.
This growth has not been accidental: positive action policies, gender-perspective scales, and scoring systems have accelerated change. However, there is still a long way to go: traditionally masculinized technical areas—such as Cinematography (21%) or Sound (26%)—continue to be territories with low female presence. And the economic gaps are significant: films directed by women receive 24% less funding, a difference that exceeds €500,000 per project.
For the first time, the report also analyzes what happens in front of the camera. In fictions released in 2024, 100% of the leading roles are played by cisgender people. Non-normative identities, diverse bodies, racialized people, or people with disabilities remain underrepresented. Diversity exists, but it is not reflected on screen or in creative teams.
The data shows that where specific measures are applied, the results change: Andalusia (60%), Valencian Community (47%), or Galicia (46%) lead in the number of titles directed by women. Navarre, without clauses but with effective tax incentives, also stands out with 47%.
At APCP, we celebrate a decade of commitment and progress, and we join CIMA’s call for Spanish audiovisual media to not only produce, but also represent. Because telling stories also involves deciding who tells them and how they are told. The challenge is not only to move forward, but to do so together, towards a more just, freer and truly pluralistic cinema.
