Kristen Stewart has spoken candidly about how her experience as a filmmaker has transformed her view of how female actors are treated in the industry. Since making her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, Stewart has observed a stark difference in respect and acknowledgment compared to her years as an actress. Her new perspective sheds light on the often difficult and dismissive treatment actresses face, which Stewart believes is unfair and deeply rooted in sexism within Hollywood.
From Actress to Filmmaker: Stewart’s Journey and Debut Film
Stewart premiered her first feature film, The Chronology of Water, at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, with a U.S. release following in December. The film is an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir of the same name and stars Imogen Poots portraying Yuknavitch. This project marks a significant step for Stewart, who started her acting career as a child in the 2001 film The Safety of Objects and has accumulated more than 63 acting credits over the years.
Stewart explained that directing offered her a different experience, one that commanded respect and intellectual engagement. Reflecting on her initial meetings as a director, she said,
“People think anyone could be an actress, but the first time I sat down to talk about my movie as a director, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a different experience, they are talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain.’”
Kristen Stewart, Actress and Director
The Stark Reality of Being an Actress in Hollywood
Stewart expressed her frustration with the way actresses are often perceived and treated compared to their male counterparts. She criticized the myth that directors possess extraordinary abilities, describing it as a “men perpetuated” idea that obscures the reality of filmmaking. According to her, this illusion contributes to actresses being undervalued and manipulated. She emphasized that female actors are not mere puppets to be controlled, highlighting Imogen Poots’s dedication to the film as an example of the genuine commitment actresses bring to their craft.
She said,
“Actresses get treated like s—, I’ve got to tell you,”
before continuing,
“There’s this idea that directors have otherworldly abilities, which is not true. It’s an idea perpetuated by men. Not to sound like I’m complaining all the time, but it’s worse for female actors than male ones — they get treated like puppets, but they are not. [Poots, 36] put her whole body and soul into this movie.”
Kristen Stewart, Actress and Director
Longstanding Criticism of Sexism in the Film Industry
Stewart has been vocal about the sexism prevalent in Hollywood for over a decade. Back in 2011, she labeled the industry as “disgustingly sexist” during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar U.K., expressing how offensive and pervasive these issues are. Over the years, she has continued to challenge the status quo and advocate for greater respect and fairness toward women in film.
The Intensity of Filmmaking and Personal Milestones in 2025
Stewart admitted that creating The Chronology of Water was an all-consuming experience, requiring immense focus and energy. She revealed that she and her team nearly missed the deadline for the film’s premiere at Cannes. Reflecting on the process, she said,
“I was a maniac on this movie,”
and added,
“I barely existed outside of it, but I’ve never felt more alive.”
Kristen Stewart, Actress and Director
In early 2025, Stewart described the year as the most chaotic of her life during an appearance at the Variety Creative Impact Awards and 10 Directors to Watch event held as part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Alongside completing her directorial debut, she also married Dylan Meyer, who produced her film and is now her wife. Additionally, she began working on another movie directed by Meyer, indicating a personal and professional partnership flourishing in the industry.
Looking Ahead: Taking Time to Recharge Before Next Projects
Stewart has expressed a need to pause and reflect before embarking on new projects. She shared her intentions to regain creative energy and carefully plan her future films. Speaking about the breaks between projects, she said,
“I need to go back, fill the well, figure out what my next movie is,”
and added,
“There are a couple of things I want to do, but you need to, I need to chill before I can actually come back with the gusto that it’s going to take to make those movies.”
Kristen Stewart, Actress and Director
This period of rest and renewal suggests Stewart is preparing to continue her evolution as a filmmaker, potentially influencing the industry with her unique perspective and experiences.
