LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For some, the movie-making dream begins at a young age.
“We kind of just got into it by nature,” said Leslie Gomez.
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Gomez and her friend Heather Aradas started making short films with their parents’ camcorder in junior high. Now, they both work in film production in Las Vegas as producers, directors, and editors.
“When I saw 'Lord of the Rings' for the first time, I know it sounds really cheesy, but for some reason, it was just like a magical moment for me," said Aradas.
"I was like, I want to do that," she added.
But with Oscar night right around the corner, the film duo are speaking out about the lack of female director nominees.
“It makes me sad for the situation," said Gomez. “I want more people to be aware that this is an actual problem.”
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This year’s most talked-about snub is in the category for best director where all of the nominees were male and did not include "Little Women" director, Greta Gerwig.
Her film, "Little Women," was nominated in high profile categories including best picture and best screenplay, and received lead actress and best supporting actress nominations, but was left out of the best director category.
Snub aside, Gomez and Aradas do believe that the industry is slowly moving in the right direction.
“I don’t want people to feel discouraged.," said Gomez. "I want people to take away from the Oscars that there are women in other categories that did get nominated, and there is hope and a reason to pursue this career."
In the past, the narrative of Oscars night has focused on the lack of diversity as a whole, and on Sunday this snub may attract more attention to the lack of female nominees.
13 Action News is celebrating the 92nd Academy Awards with stories related to the film industry this week. The Oscars will air on KTNV-TV Channel 13 at 5 p.m. Sunday.
