Diversity on-screen has always been an uphill battle, despite it being common knowledge that media representation has a monumental impact on how viewers see themselves IRL. Now, new documentary This Changes Everything delves into the dark depths of the entertainment industry, exploring the lack of gender inclusion on- and off-screen.

A new trailer for the film – which hits cinemas on July 22 – sees some of Hollywood’s leading voices (including Meryl Streep, Rashida Jones, Geena Davis, and more) discuss their own experiences of the film industry’s shortcomings when it comes to diversity.

“Media has the power to educate, to shape people’s thoughts,” Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes tells the camera. “It also has an incredible power when you get to see someone like you on screen.”

Despite accounting for 51 per cent of moviegoers, women made up just 36 per cent of major characters in 2018’s top-grossing films, with audiences almost twice as likely to see male characters. Women also remained younger than their male counterparts, while 65 per cent of all female characters were white.

These depressing statistics are mirrored behind the camera (in 2018’s top 100 films), with women representing just four per cent of directors, three per cent of cinematographers, and 15 per cent of writers.

Exploring the history of the systemic forces that foster gender discrimination, This Changes Everything doesn’t just uncover disparities in the industry, but seeks to suggest solutions in order to move forward. Its tag line, ‘voices can’t be silenced forever’, reverberates with the same determined spirit of the magnificent #MeToo movement – which will undoubtedly play a central role in the documentary.

Directed by Tom Donahue, the film features commentary from Rose McGowan, Amandla Stenberg, Chloë Moretz, Natalie Portman, Rosario Dawson, and many more.

Watch the trailer below.