Gyllenhaal calls out 'systemic' sexism at Venice Film Festival opening

Maggie Gyllenhaal, chair of the Venice Film Festival jury, said there is a 'systemic problem' that explains why only two female directors are in the running for the Golden Lion at this year's festival, according to The Guardian.

Speaking at the opening of the festival, the actor-director addressed the imbalance directly, acknowledging the awkwardness of presiding over a competition that so poorly reflects the industry's gender parity.

The comments came as the festival, held on the Lido in Venice, kicked off with its opening film, Danny Boyle's 'Ink,' a biopic about the rise of the British tabloid The Sun, which was also covered by The New York Times.