Recognizing Five of the Most Talented Female Filmmakers Ever

We’re in the middle of a major shift in the success of female filmmakers. Women are more and more commonly creating and directing their own stories, resulting in some of the most powerful, influential films in recent memory. 

From documentaries about racial injustice to world-famous blockbusters and biopics, these five female filmmakers captivated the world. 

Table of contents:

• The Wachowski Sisters
• Kathryn Bigelow – Zero Dark 30, The Hurt Locker
• Ava DuVernay – Selma 
• Jane Campion – Power of the Dog
• Patty Jenkins – Wonder Woman

 

The Wachowski Sisters

The Wachowskis sisters, Lana and Lilly, are known for their visually stunning, intellectually challenging, and emotionally powerful approach to filmmaking. 

The Matrix practically defined 2000s-era action films.

Alongside box office records and worldwide fame, this instant classic set the high water mark for special effects. Remember bullet time? Children then, and still today, can be found imitating Neo’s signature bullet-dodging kung fu technique. The effect instantly spawned imitators: Kill Bill: Vol.1, The Bourne Identity, and Inception all featured action sequences inspired by the slo-mo stylings of The Matrix. 

More than just a visual treat, The Matrix is spectacular storytelling. It features complex characters with nuanced motivations and relationships. Philosophical themes, such as the nature of reality, free will, and the relationship between humans and technology, captivated audiences and left them questioning: “are we in The Matrix?”  

The sisters are known for their unique approach to filmmaking. They’re of course best known for The Matrix but they’re the filmmakers behind Cloud Atlas, Sense8, and V for Vendetta. 

Here are just a few reasons why they stand out as filmmakers:

1. Innovative storytelling: They often use non-linear narratives, metaphors, and symbolism to convey their ideas. Their films are not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking. They encourage the audience to think beyond what is presented on the screen.

2. Visual effects: The Wachowskis have a talent for creating visually stunning worlds. They have revolutionized the use of visual effects in filmmaking with their Matrix trilogy. The slow-motion bullet-time effect used in The Matrix is now a common technique in action films.

3. Representation: The Wachowskis have been trailblazers in promoting diversity and representation in their films. They have included LGBTQ+ characters in their stories and have portrayed them in a respectful and authentic way. Their films also feature strong female characters who break gender stereotypes.

4. Collaboration: The Wachowskis often collaborate with talented artists to bring their vision to life. It takes a special talent to entice Tom Hanks to lead a film? They have also worked with renowned cinematographers, production designers, and composers to create their unique cinematic worlds.

 

Kathryn Bigelow 

This trailblazing filmmaker broke barriers for women in Hollywood. Perhaps best known for war movies like The Hurt Locker or Zero Dark 30, she has tackled a diverse range of genres throughout her career.

Kathryn Bigelow made history when she became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker. 

Set in Iraq during the US occupation, the movie follows an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team as they navigate their way through the harsh realities of war. What truly sets the movie apart is it’s portrayal of the psychological toll war has on soldiers. Bigelow explores her characters’ motivations, fears, and vulnerabilities resulting in a film with tense action sequences but also intense emotional sequences. 

What sets her apart as a filmmaker are the following: 

1. Action-packed films: Bigelow is known for directing intense and action-packed films that feature strong, complex characters. She has directed films such as Point Break, Strange Days, and The Hurt Locker, which are all known for their adrenaline-fueled sequences.

2. Breaking gender barriers: Bigelow has been a trailblazer for women in the film industry, having been the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker in 2010. She has often tackled themes of masculinity and violence in her films, bringing a unique perspective to traditionally male-dominated genres.

3. Exploration of controversial themes: Bigelow’s films often explore controversial themes such as war, terrorism, and police brutality. She has been praised for her ability to tackle difficult subjects with nuance and sensitivity, without shying away from their complexity.

 

Ava DuVernay 

Ava DuVernay is a highly respected filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter who has made significant contributions to the film and television industry. She is the first black woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe and with A Wrinkle In Time (2018), she is also the first to direct a movie with a budget over $100 million.

Selma, perhaps DuVernay’s best to date, depicts a pivotal point in American history – the Selma to Montgomery marches, led by Martin Luther King Jr, which eventually lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

At its core, Selma is a film about hope, faith, and the power of collective action. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Alabama, while not shying away from portraying brutality and violence inflicted on peaceful protesters. DuVernay’s storytelling is both raw and beautiful, capturing the struggle and perseverance of those who fought for justice in the face of immense adversity.

Across her filmography, DuVernay is best known for:

1. Advocacy for diversity and representation: DuVernay is a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. She has created opportunities for underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, through her production company ARRAY. She has also been actively involved in initiatives to increase diversity in Hollywood.

2. Social justice issues: DuVernay has directed several documentaries that shed light on important social justice issues, including 13th, which explores the connection between slavery and the modern-day prison system in the United States. Her documentaries are known for their ability to educate and inspire audiences to take action.

3. Entrepreneurial spirit: In addition to her work in film and television, she has launched several businesses, including a public relations firm and a fashion label.

 

Jane Campion 

Jane Campion is an acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter known for her visually stunning and emotionally resonant films.

The Power of the Dog wasn’t quite a box office success, but it was an artistic masterpiece. At least, according to the academy: 

• Academy Award for Best Directing 
• BAFTA Award for Best Film
• Silver Lion for Best Director
• Critics’ Choice for Best Picture
• Golden Globe for Best Picture
• AACTA International Award for Best Actor

The film boasts and impressive cast: Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dundst and explores themes of masculinity, power dynamics, and how they interweave to produce sexual dynamics. 

Other notable films directed by Campion are Bright Star, An Angel at My Table, and Holy Smoke. She is best known for the following in her approach to filmmaking: 

1. Exploration of female perspectives: Campion is known for her exploration of the female perspective in her films. Her films often focus on strong, complex female characters and have been praised for their nuanced depictions of women’s experiences.

2. Palme d’Or winner: Campion made history in 1993 when she became the first woman to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her film The Piano. The film, which she wrote and directed, is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and desire.

3. Collaboration with actors: Campion has a reputation for bringing out the best in her actors. She has worked with some of the most talented performers in the industry, including Holly Hunter, Kate Winslet, and Nicole Kidman, and has been praised for her ability to create a safe and supportive environment on set.

4. Television work: In recent years, Campion has turned her attention to television, creating and directing the critically acclaimed series Top of the Lake. The series, which explores the dark underbelly of a small New Zealand town, has been praised for its gripping storytelling and stunning cinematography.

Patty Jenkins

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Patty Jenkins’s films have inspired women everywhere. 

Wonder Woman became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2017. It shattered box office records and Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman was praised for her strength, compassion, and humor. Its themes of love, hope, and justice are inspiring. 

Jenkins has found success as a filmmaker for a variety of the following reasons: 

1. Collaboration with actors: Jenkins has a reputation for collaborating closely with her actors, creating a supportive and collaborative environment on set. She has worked with some of the most talented performers in the industry, including Charlize Theron and Chris Pine.
2. Focus on character-driven storytelling: Jenkins is known for her ability to create emotionally resonant films that are driven by strong character development. Her films often explore themes of identity, heroism, and personal growth, and have been praised for their authentic and relatable depictions of human experience.
3. Trailblazing for women in the film industry: As a woman working in the male-dominated film industry, Jenkins has been a trailblazer for other women seeking to break into the field. She has spoken publicly about her challenges as a female filmmaker and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in Hollywood.

Conclusion 

These five female filmmakers have shown us that gender is not a barrier to creativity, skill, and talent. Their work challenges societal norms and sparks conversation outside of the simple gender divide. They’ve paved the way for future generations of filmmakers and achieved greatness in their fields.