It has been well established that women are underrepresented in the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera. While discussions about this issue are great, nothing is ever going to change unless action is taken and that is what the IFI are aiming to do with their new F rating.

As part of their strategic objective to reflect a diversity of prospectives, they will give an F rating to any film shown in their cinema that is directed and/or written by a woman, and/or features women in significant roles. Maudie, directed by Aisling Walsh, and Kathryn Bigelow's Detroit will be among the first films to receive this rating.

2017 has been a huge year for female directors. With Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins became the first woman to direct a film with a budget of over $100 million. It has grossed over €750m worldwide, becoming the most successful film of the summer.

Much like the Bechdel Test, this new rating system will help consumers easily identify films made by women and support their work at the box office. More money at the box office means more opportunities for women in the film industry, and more great films like Wonder Woman and Zero Dark Thirty. Win / Win.

Full IFI statement can be read here.