Despite the accolades heaped upon the likes of Deepa Mehta, Julia Kwan and Sarah Polley, there are surprisingly few women with ‘above the line’ jobs in the film industry, according to a new study by the B.C. Institute of Film Professionals.

A survey of 27 features produced in that province between 2002 and 2006 shows few women in the upper ranks — making up 11% of directors, 11% of editors, 7% of writers and 0% of cinematographers. Women fared better among producers, making up 49%.

The findings contradict commonly held beliefs about improved job equity, says BCIFP president Eileen Hoeter. ‘There’s this feeling that women are working in the industry but… the numbers have not really changed from 20 years ago,’ she says. ‘It’s quite discouraging that we’re still working on this.’

The report, which follows a similar 2006 study of union positions, also found that many women who work in film earn less than the average annual income of women working in other industries.

Hoeter wants productions to keep more detailed employment records for further study of the gender gap, and will sit down to talk with stakeholders on Feb. 13.