Smurfin Interview Internationals

Research conducted by Utrecht University, Op hakken gezet en klein gemaakt, shows that actresses are still limited by stereotyping, unequal opportunities and imbalanced power relations in the film and television industry. The Smurfette Campaign is committed to changing this. During IFA, actress Anna Raadsveld (known for, among others, Timboektoe, LelleBelle and Overspel) will be present on Friday 6 March to explain the research findings in an accessible way and with a healthy dose of humour.

From research to action
“Following the results of the research, ACT Acteursbelangen, together with Vrouwen in Beeld, started an action group,” Anna explains. “As an actress myself, I am involved in a very direct way. It is my task, together with others, to bring the results to the public, start conversations about them and give presentations. The campaign draws attention to the structural inequality between women and men in roles, payments and creative input.”

Photographer: Robin Alysha Clemens

The Smurfin principle
Anna’s motivation lies in the so-called Smurfin (Smurfette) principle. “All the male Smurfs have clear characteristics: Brainy Smurf, Papa Smurf, Jokey Smurf, Grouchy Smurf. Except for Smurfette. Her ‘characteristic’ is that she is a woman. This principle still operates in film and television. Women often appear only when their being a woman serves the story of a male character. How can we see ourselves as fully rounded, layered human beings if that is the only image presented? Through this research I realised: it is not an individual problem, it is systemic. And that is what I want to change.”

Experiences from practice
“Women are still paid less for the same work. Roles are often written in service of a male lead. Appearance also plays a major part. Audition scripts frequently refer to ‘a beautiful young woman’. That rarely happens with men.” Anna recalls being asked to lose weight for a role. “I refused, because films should also show realistic people. But the pressure to conform to a beauty ideal is constant.” According to her, awareness of the research findings and the broader stereotyping of women in film and television is crucial. “The campaign creates visibility and solidarity, and shows how many women there are and how diverse they are.”

By buying and wearing a Smurfette T-shirt, you show solidarity and contribute both financially and visibly to change towards a healthy, equal, safe and high-quality film and television industry. This can be done via www.acteursbelangen.nl/smurfin.