Although concerns about the underrepresentation of women in screen industries have been ongoing for quite some time, the discussion about it has been gaining increasing momentum within the mainstream over the past few years.

One of the things that can truly help to change the industry though are votes by consumers with their dollars.

The First Weekend Club, which helps to promote Canadian films, has come up with an idea that will help propel that change.

FWC's video-on-demand service Canada Screens is starting up an initiative to highlight the work of female filmmakers.

The initiative is being launched at a screening of Siobhan Devine's feature film The Birdwatcher today (October 27) at Vancity Theatre, presented by the B.C. Federation of Labour Women's Rights Standing Committee, UBCP/ACTRA, and the First Weekend Club.

A channel available at Canada Screens devoted entirely to films made by Canadian women will be curated by Women in the Director's Chair.

It'll include films such as Louise Archambault’s Gabrielle, Chloé Robichaud’s Sarah Prefers to Run, Kari Skogland’s The Stone Angel, Larysa Kondracki’s The Whistleblower, and Sook-Yin Lee’s Year of the Carnivore.

What's more, each film will be paired with a complimentary National Film Board of Canada short film, also directed by women.

"Women directors already face so many challenges just to get their films made," First Weekend Club's executive director Anita Adams stated in a news release. "It's our hope that through this new channel we can help these films find a bigger audience and create more of an appreciation for films made by women.”

To check out the new channel as well as other Canadian films, visit the Canada Screens website.