Research conducted by the Cinema, Woman, and Education Chair (CIMUED) identifies common patterns such as limited access to large budgets and the low presence of women in leadership roles in fiction series. To transform this reality, the project selected ten Colombian film students from over 900 candidates across 50 educational institutions. The program concluded on March 13 with the graduation of its first cohort, which includes Paula Daniela Chaparro, Jhana Marcela García Eraso, Adriana Rocío Jacanejoy, Daniela Alejandra Macías, Manuela Martínez Castillo, Ana María Mavisoy, María Isabel Medina, Ximena Montoya, Valeria Ruiz Rodríguez, and Paula Alejandra Ulloa. Paula Daniela Chaparro, on behalf of the graduates, highlighted that these spaces for dialogue allow for the construction of empathetic leadership and pave the way for future generations of women in the industry. The CIMUED-CO project, an initiative that promotes female leadership in the audiovisual sector through academic and professional cooperation between Spain and Colombia, arises in this context. Led by Nebrija University in collaboration with La Sabana University and the University of the North of Barranquilla, and with funding from ICETEX, the project includes research and industry diagnostics. Lead researcher Marta Saavedra explains that the study not only quantifies the presence of women but also analyzes their responsibilities and structural obstacles. Comparative data reveals that while female representation is 38% in Spain and 39.5% in Mexico, in Colombia the figure stands at 28%. (March 13, 2026 – web – Panama24Horas.com.pa) Madrid, Spain. – Despite the international expansion of Spanish-language content, the industry continues to face challenges of equality, especially in decision-making positions and technical areas. In turn, Álvaro Bustinduy, Vice Rector for Research, and Jose María Ortiz, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, highlighted the importance of transferring this knowledge to foster diverse and collaborative leadership. The agenda included the III cycle 'They Direct,' where films like 'Al otro barrio' and 'La furia' were screened, allowing for dialogue between students and established filmmakers. The selected students completed a 60-hour training program at the Faculty of Communication and Arts of Nebrija University, focusing on areas such as cinematography, executive production, and intimacy coordination to ensure safe shoots. Marta Saavedra specified that this training aims to accelerate change towards barrier-free work environments.
