When I was in college, my graduation thesis was called 'Female Directors.' I interviewed all of the important female directors from Mexico. There were four. That was it.

In this quote, Patricia Riggen reflects on her college graduation thesis, which focused on the theme of female directors. Her research led her to interview all the significant female directors from Mexico at the time, revealing how few there were in the industry. Riggen humorously notes that there were only four notable female directors in Mexico, highlighting the gender disparity and the challenges women faced in the filmmaking world.

Riggen’s mention of this experience underscores the underrepresentation of women in the film industry, particularly in directorial roles. Her thesis title, "Female Directors," points to her early recognition of the importance of amplifying women’s voices in a field traditionally dominated by men. The fact that there were only four women in such a prominent position serves as a reflection of the larger struggles women faced in gaining recognition and opportunities in the film industry at that time.

The origin of this quote comes from Riggen’s own academic experience, where she sought to highlight the voices of female filmmakers when they were still very much marginalized. As a filmmaker herself, she likely experienced firsthand the challenges of being a woman in an industry that often overlooked female perspectives. This project was an early indication of her commitment to elevating women in film, a theme that would continue throughout her career.

Through this quote, Riggen emphasizes both the progress that has been made and the long-standing struggles that female directors have faced. Her work in college reflects her dedication to bringing attention to the importance of gender representation in film, setting the stage for her own contributions to the industry as a director.