Things are very slowly getting better and better for women in Hollywood, both in front the camera and behind the scenes. But is it quick enough?

Nikki Reed, who skyrocketed into fame following her work with “Thirteen” (as both an actor and co-writer) discusses the importance of making female characters more than just an accessory–giving female characters desires, backgrounds, personalities that are typically only given to male characters.

As we said, things are improving: 36% of Sundance Competition films were directed by women and
Ava Duvernay became the first African American woman nominated for a Best Director Golden Globe.

But some aspects are changing a little too slowly: only 5% of Oscar qualifying film scores were composed by women and from 2009-2013 only 4.7% of major studio films were directed by women.

For those who think it’s ridiculous to count these numbers or feel it’s “too focused” on women, you are not fully understanding the issues. Women historically do not have the same advantages as men, regardless of profession. For example, it’s harder for women as directors to get representation because management will say they already have one female director on the books.

Feeling a little bummed about the situation? That’s okay, here’s 12 women-centric films playing near you. (All films listed are either about women, directed by women, or written by women!)

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