Overview
- In a Dec. 7 New York Times interview, Stewart said the industry is 'ready for a full system break' and described the current environment as 'capitalist hell.'
- She argued studios privilege tentpoles, saying it is 'too hard' to get non‑blockbuster, niche projects made.
- While expressing gratitude for unions, she said some rules create 'unbelievable barriers' and urged 'work-arounds,' even suggesting artists may need to 'start stealing our movies.'
- She said she wants her next feature made 'for nothing' and floated collective-style approaches to broaden access to filmmaking.
- Coverage cited UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report reporting a 2024 pullback in opportunities for women and people of color, and noted her directorial debut The Chronology of Water is playing in select theaters.