For men, directing an acclaimed indie film can often lead to a blockbuster. Think of 500 Days Of Summer director Marc Webb, who got to helm The Amazing Spider-Man; or Colin Treverrow, whose success with the small indie comedy Safety Not Guaranteed led him to direct the blockbuster Jurassic World.

Then there’s Gareth Evans, who made his directorial debut Monsters for less than $500,000, only to be handed $160 million to make Godzilla. This doesn’t happen to women directors – as Desiree Akhavan knows. Though the writer, actress and director received critical acclaim for her directorial debut Appropriate Behaviour – as well as for her successful web series The Slope and her appearance in Girls – Hollywood did not come a-calling.

“I now think it was for the best, but there weren’t a lot of opportunities coming to me from mainstream Hollywood,” reflects Akhavan. “But I made my own opportunities, which was really good, as my new film is a really good reflection of my taste and skillset. But I think every step of the way, it’s been about creating my own openings. I’ve never had anyone put anything in my lap.”