In a male-dominate industry, the number of female filmmakers and directors is low but has increased over the years Women are less likely to be nominated for awards against male directors and only two women directors have won Best Director for the Oscars. Despite the various barriers they face in not receiving the funding and publicity, there have been women who have made their mark in the film industry. They deserve to be recognized for their talent which is why I have made a list of films directed by women who brought some of the most compelling stories to life.
Clueless (1995)
This rom-com, directed by Amy Heckerling, follows the day-to-day life of Cher, a high schooler living in Beverly Hills. She lives in a mansion and things like what outfit she will be seen in is what is most important to her. We get to see the relationships she has with her father, closest friends, and her first love. Each character is witty with their own vibrant personalities. This film takes us into the lives of teenagers from rich families and how they are clueless when it comes to real life.
Lady Bird (2017)
This coming-of-age film, directed by Greta Gerwig, tells the story of 17-year-old Christine, who is in her final year at a Catholic high school in Sacramento. With many decisions ahead of her, the relationship with her mother is full of tension and conflict. Christine has a desire to leave her hometown and do exciting things that for many parents, doesn’t seem realistic. The constant longing she has to achieve her dreams but also wanting her mother’s reassurance is something many can relate to. We see her navigate relationships with her best friend, love interests, and herself.
Wonder Woman (2017)
This superhero movie, directed by Patty Jenkins, brings one of DC’s most loved characters, Wonder Woman, to life. We see Diana, raised by the Amazons in Themyscaria, and how she grows to be a powerful warrior with a big heart. She has to leave her home when Captain Steve Trevor, a pilot, crashes on the island during World War I. The storyline is clever, and Diana goes against her enemies powerfully and gracefully.
Booksmart (2019)
This film, directed by Olivia Wilde, is a colorful comedic take on another coming-of-age story. Molly and Amy, best friends who have done nothing but study to get into the best schools are set to graduate. On the last day of senior year, Molly overhears that the people she thinks of as slackers got into the top universities in the country, and she feels her world falling apart. She convinces Amy that they must make their last day count and make up for the partying experience they missed in their high school careers. The day is full of flashy outfits, getting out of comfort zones, and drama.
The Farewell (2019)
Directed by Lulu Wang, this film shows how families from another culture deal in certain situations and events. The story is personal and inspired by real-life events in Wang’s life. Billi and her parents find out her grandmother is dying and decide not to tell her, instead they make plans to travel to China to attend a cousin’s last-minute wedding to avoid concerning her. Her parents fear that Billi won’t be able to lie even though the entire family is prepared to do so. At the wedding, we get to see the beautiful relationship Billi has with her grandmother and how the entire family bids her farewell without actually saying it.
