Iconic Female Directors You Need to Know About

Women directors have been creating films since cinema’s inception. While credit isn’t always given where it’s due, films directed by women have made and continue to create waves. Their creations have greatly affected the public, even if it’s a simple decision like choosing where to play AU pokies. 

Supporting women directors is not and should not be a trend. On the contrary, it should be the new norm. This is a step toward demonopolizing a sector that has been much too dominated by a single gender to thrive.

Starting from talkies to modern cinema, the industry hasn’t fully acknowledged the expertise and creativity of these female filmmakers. But, the good news is that this won’t be going on for too long. Accolades and honors can only go so far in the face of true support from people who buy tickets, attend screenings, and appreciate cinema for what it is. No ifs or buts.

1. Dorothy Arzner

Dorothy Arzner is a name in Hollywood that everyone should be familiar with. As one of the most prominent ladies in state history, she achieved several firsts. She was the first woman director in the Directors Guild of America, as well as the first female to direct a sound picture. Arzner was also one of the few female filmmakers to have had a lengthy and solid career in Hollywood. Among her numerous triumphs were being the only female director of feature films until the 1940s. Arzner is credited with launching the careers of several famous actresses, including Katherine Hepburn and Lucille Ball.

2. Greta Gerwig

It seems like nowadays, we see Greta Gerwig’s name on every award-winning movie. Greta Gerwig began her career as an actor. She is an inspirational female director with two Oscar nominations at such a young age. Not only has Gerwig nailed the seventh production of the legendary Little Women, but she’s also the brains behind the charmingly intimate dramedy Lady Bird. The latter was inspired by her own upbringing in California. 

3. Lois Weber

Before Dorothy Arzner established film history in the twentieth century, Lois Weber broke new ground a few decades earlier. Although regarded as one of America’s first real auteurs, Weber doesn’t get as much praise as one would expect.

Weber was a pioneer in the use of sound in filmmaking. She was also the first woman to direct a full-length feature film and the inventor of the split-screen method. Unfortunately, just 20 of her films have survived. Weber’s legacy as one of the greatest female filmmakers, on the other hand, lives on.

4. Ava DuVernay 

Ava DuVernay is a cultural icon for good reason. She was a film publicist before becoming a record-breaking filmmaker. The female director rose to prominence with the Academy Award-nominated Selma. She subsequently directed other films, television shows, and documentaries, opening the door for additional female directors and directors of color. DuVernay is more than a filmmaker; she is a cultural activist, breaking down boundaries and making strides for underrepresented groups everywhere. She does it not only as a POC female director, but also via the tales she chooses to convey.