The Underrepresentation of Puerto Rican Women Filmmakers in the Entertainment Industry

The film and television industry, both in front of and behind the camera, has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, especially when it comes to women of color. Puerto Rican women filmmakers, in particular, have been largely absent from the global entertainment landscape despite the rich cultural and historical contributions of Puerto Rico to film and arts. This underrepresentation is not only a reflection of systemic biases in the industry but also a missed opportunity to showcase unique voices and perspectives from a historically marginalized community.

The Challenges Facing Puerto Rican Women Filmmakers

The hurdles that Puerto Rican women filmmakers face are multi-faceted. First, there is the lack of access to resources. Filmmaking, even on a small scale, requires funding, industry connections, and support systems that are not always readily available to emerging filmmakers from Puerto Rico. The island, despite its vibrant culture, has limited infrastructure for large-scale filmmaking projects, and this translates to fewer opportunities for Puerto Rican filmmakers to break into the industry. As a result, many filmmakers must leave Puerto Rico to pursue their careers, which can present additional challenges as we navigate an industry that often remains resistant to diversity.

Moreover, Puerto Rican women face a double layer of underrepresentation: as women, AND as Puerto Ricans. The gender disparity in the entertainment industry is well documented. According to a 2023 report by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, "3.4% of all directors - four in total- were women of color. Twenty-five directors across the 17-year sample, or 1.4% of all directors studied, were women of color." Puerto Rican women, as part of the broader Latina and Afro-Latina communities, remain nearly invisible in decision-making positions, which limits our ability to bring authentic stories to the screen.

Why Representation Matters

The lack of Puerto Rican women filmmakers isn't just an issue of industry fairness; it's about cultural erasure and the missed opportunity to share authentic stories from Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican culture, with its deep roots in both Indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, offers a rich tapestry of narratives that remain underexplored in mainstream media today. Without Puerto Rican women filmmakers, the portrayal of Puerto Rican life and experiences in media can easily be simplified or inaccurately depicted by those outside the community.

As noted by Rita Moreno, one of Puerto Rico’s most famous actresses and a trailblazer in the industry, there is a need for more Latinx representation in all aspects of entertainment. As she said in an article from the Television Academy, "People have to understand that we have not been listened to for years, our voices have been ignored in every conceivable way possible! When you've been ignored for so long, you feel that no one can hear you and no one cares. But we must speak up and remain hopeful and unafraid." This statement highlights why it's essential for Puerto Rican women filmmakers to keep fighting to take control of the narrative. When more filmmakers from our community are in charge of telling their own stories, it fosters more accurate and diverse depictions that resonate with a global audience.

Shifting the Narrative

There have been significant efforts by various Puerto Rican women filmmakers, including myself, to create a space for ourselves within the industry, despite the barriers we face. Emerging voices such as Glorimar Marrero, a Puerto Rican filmmaker whose short film El Cuento de la Comadre won accolades at various film festivals, are gradually making our mark. Using personal experiences as a lens through which to examine the complexities of Puerto Rican identity, often exploring themes of gender, race, and diaspora is what makes our filmmaking brake barriers over and over again.

The International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) is a great example of how we are working to shift the narrative. The IPRHFF is a prominent cultural event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse contributions of Puerto Rican filmmakers to the world of cinema. Held annually, the festival serves as a platform to showcase films that explore the Puerto Rican experience, highlighting the island's rich history, culture, and identity, as well as the experiences of Puerto Ricans in the diaspora. 

The IPRHFF aims to amplify Puerto Rican voices within the global film industry by providing a space for both established and emerging filmmakers to present their work. It focuses on films that tell authentic and diverse stories, reflecting the complexities of Puerto Rican life, whether through drama, documentary, music, or experimental cinema. The festival not only showcases films in the Spanish language but also promotes bilingual and multicultural perspectives that resonate with a wide audience.

In addition to celebrating Puerto Rican talent, the IPRHFF fosters cultural exchange and dialogue between filmmakers, artists, and audiences from different backgrounds. It provides an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exploration of the intersection of art, politics, and identity. The festival celebrates the importance of representation, diversity, and the power of storytelling in building a more inclusive cultural landscape.

Through its programming, the IPRHFF aims to create a greater understanding of Puerto Rican culture and history, empowering filmmakers to share their unique perspectives and stories with the world. It serves as a vital hub for creative expression and a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage in the cinematic arts. Learning about this amazing organization and especially being extremely passionate about this issue in this industry, I was so honored to be part of the 14th annual 2024 International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival with my shirt film Back on 74 as a Selection! 

The rise of digital platforms and independent filmmaking has also created opportunities for Puerto Rican women filmmakers to reach a broader audience. Services like HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video have given more room for international content, which includes films and series from Puerto Rican and Latina directors. These platforms have become crucial in amplifying voices that might not otherwise get mainstream attention.

In addition, grassroots organizations such as LatinX in Film and Women in Film have worked to increase representation and amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers. Through mentorship programs, funding, and festivals (IPRHFF), these organizations provide Puerto Rican women with the tools and platforms they need to succeed.

Looking Ahead

Despite the ongoing struggles, there is hope for Puerto Rican women filmmakers. The industry is slowly starting to recognize the need for diverse voices, and initiatives are being put in place to create more equitable opportunities. But it will take more than just representation to bring about lasting change. Industry leaders must continue to push for structural reforms that ensure Puerto Rican women and other marginalized groups have access to the same resources, opportunities, and platforms as their counterparts.

The success of Puerto Rican women filmmakers, such as Maria Irene Fornés, a legendary playwright whose works have influenced theater and film, serves as a reminder that cultural contributions from Puerto Rican women have always been integral to shaping the arts. If the entertainment industry truly wants to be a space that reflects the diversity of the world, it must center the voices of women from communities like Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican women filmmakers continue to face substantial obstacles, but the push for greater inclusion and diversity is gaining momentum. With greater visibility and support, we as Puerto Rican women can create the stories that reflect the full breadth of our culture, struggles, and triumphs. The need for our voices is more pressing than ever. If the entertainment industry is to thrive in the future, it must include a wide range of perspectives... and Puerto Rican women filmmakers should be at the forefront of that change.