France, May 15 -- There are five women in the official competition at Cannes this year, three from France, one from Germany and one from Austria - representing 23 percent of the 22 films vying for the Palme d'Or prize.

It is progress compared to the average of 3 percent of women directors competing from 1946 to 1980, and 12 percent between 2011 and 2020.

This average went up to 25 percent between 2021 and 2025, with a record year in 2023, when six women were selected - 33 percent of the total.

Women are better represented in other categories at the festival, notably Un Certain Regard, where films by female directors from around the world make up 60 percent of the selection this year.

These categories are looking for new talent and are...