By Emily-Rose Toohey
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting prominent female movie directors who work in the industry and have made some incredible films.
Directors are essential – they’re the people in charge of movie sets and collaborate with artists to bring their vision to life.
Here are four talented female directors and their best films to watch:
Greta Gerwig
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird stars Gerwig’s frequent collaborator, Saoirse Ronan, as teenager Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson.
She faces the ups and downs of high school as she navigates her relationships with family and her closest friends – the prospect of graduation is looming.
Little Women (2019)
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel, Gerwig’s adaptation is definitive for this generation.
It stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth.
Olivia Wilde
Booksmart (2019)
Actress turned director Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with Booksmart, a comedic film about two High School seniors (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who decide to rebel by going to a party.
Over one chaotic night, the friends get themselves into hilarious situations.
Chloe Zhao
Nomadland (2020)
Oscar winner Chloe Zhao is known for her thoughtful, reflective indie films.
Nomadland is no different.
It stars Frances McDormand as a woman who loses everything in the Great Recession, and embarks through life as a nomad.
Emerald Fennell
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Another actress turned director, Fennell helmed the Carey Mulligan starrer about a woman who seeks revenge after her best friend is brutally assaulted.
The film is an interesting look into the psychology of those who have been affected by abuse – with devastating consequences.
Other great female directors (to name a few)
Kathryn Bigelow
Ava DuVernay
Sofia Coppola
