Miss Representation Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Documentary Delves into How Women Are Portrayed in the Media

Documentary filmmaker, actress, and former first lady of San Francisco, Jennifer Siebel Newsom is all too familiar with the challenges of being a woman who’s trying to have it all — a successful career, healthy marriage, and motherhood. Along with the recent release of her first documentary film, Miss Representation, Newsom just gave birth to her second child, 11-week-old Hunter. Her daughter Montana is only 23 months old.

“I’m used to chaos, but it’s an adjustment. It’s that dilemma that so many women in America have: How do you strike a balance, and how do you do it all?” says Newsom on juggling her new baby and documentary, during an early morning phone interview. In the background, there is a slight din of crying children. “I’m so in love with both of them, but it’s definitely a challenge having two under two.”

Miss Representation presents an alarming picture of the oversexualized, demeaning image of women in the media and underrepresentation of women in positions of power in this country. Featuring interviews with the likes of Condoleezza Rice, Gloria Steinem, Katie Couric, and Geena Davis, Newsom’s documentary scrutinizes the media’s objectification of women and its destructive impact on both women’s self-image and how men perceive them. Newsom’s unconventional path to filmmaking began after she left non-profit work in Africa to attend Stanford Business School, where she says her discomfort with the emphasis on wealth drew her to the arts. Newsom started acting and producing in Los Angeles before turning to documentary filmmaking with Miss Representation.

What inspired you to make Miss Representation?

There are three main things. I started acting at the age of 28 and was in the industry when the whole tabloid culture was really taking off. It concerned me that young girls had unhealthy imagery to aspire towards that was communicated to them vis-à-vis the media. I also realized how unhealthy the messages were that we were giving to young men. Then witnessing the 2008 campaign, I was intrigued by the press and sexism in the media directed towards First Lady Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. I wanted to see if that was common and if that was the way it had been prior. Then, when I researched the stats of women’s representation in our country in terms of leadership, the stats were alarming.

What do you hope viewers take from the film?

There’s historically been a bias and sexism that we think no longer exists in our country because it’s so subtle. I wanted to point that out and really remind people that we’ve accomplished a lot, but we still have a long way to go. The media is unfortunately the largest perpetrator in my mind right now, in terms of furthering the inequity by creating the disparaging and hyper-sexualized images of women that don’t fully empower women.

How would you like to see the media’s portrayal of women change?

I’d love to see the media celebrating all these fantastic accomplished women who are healthy role models, who are not exploiting their sexuality or their bodies, but who are utilizing their brains, creativity, and various talents to succeed. Young girls need to see that they can aspire to that, as opposed to a more limiting path utilizing looks or body to get ahead or achieve success in life. That only takes you so far. It would also be great to see more complex stories about women that don’t just focus on them as a stereotypical, hypersexual, one-note object or eye candy. 

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced during your career?

Definitely in Africa old school chauvinism, sexism, and being treated as less because of being a woman, or even being blond or nice. Sometimes being sweet and nice, people don’t take you seriously. I also think it’s disgusting that we don’t have equal pay in this country. I’m always reminding my husband that until we fix this in our country, we’re not going to be utilizing all that women have to offer.

Do you have political aspirations? I don’t. I find it an interesting world — a little too ugly for me. I think I’m too thin skinned. I have to say being married to – I like to say my husband [Lieutenant Governor of California Gavin Newsom] is in public service rather than a politician – but hearing his concerns and grievances, I think our system is challenged right now. However I can effect change, I will do it. But I don’t know if being in politics is the best way for me to help create what I envision as a healthier culture. 􀀀

Miss Representation is being screened on September 14th at the UCLA Hammer Museum 7 pm and airs Thursday, October 20th, at 9 pm on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).