Equal representation is the only way for everyone to achieve their professional dreams. If women don’t see themselves in higher positions within industries, they may never realize their full potential or chase their greatest passions.
These female movie directors and producers are opening doors for the women that follow in their footsteps by breaking records and smashing stereotypes. Anyone can read their stories to rethink what the future could hold for them, too.
1. Chloe Zhao
Before Chloe Zhao became one of the leading female film directors with her movie “The Eternals,” she directed films like “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and “The Rider” and “Nomadland.” Since 2015, she’s helmed movies that premiered at festivals and won notable awards, so her directing style and future projects are something to note. Her career also proves that films led by women of color can break box office records since “The Eternals” earned $161.7 million in global box offices during its opening weekend.
2. Regina King
Three decades in Hollywood taught Regina King that she could achieve anything. She’s well-known for starring in major films and TV shows, but she’s also rocketing to directorial fame with films like “One Night in Miami” and “Let the Church Say Amen.” Her directing skills are unmatched, whether she’s behind the camera on a movie or TV set.
3. Shannon McIntosh
Shannon McIntosh began her career as one of the top female film producers when she signed on to produce “Titanica” in 1992. Her ability to spot hits and recognize great stories led her to create “The Hateful Eight,” “Django Unchained” and documentaries on how expert teams made their mega-hit movies. McIntosh exemplifies how women can direct in multiple genres and bring unique stories to numerous audiences.
4. Selina Ringel
Selina Ringel is no stranger to juggling motherhood and a career. She wrote and produced a movie about her real-life pregnancy that she chose to experience without a partner. The film then shows how she learned to budget for parenting and adapt her professional routine to achieve her dreams without picking one part of her life over the other.
Ringel deserves a place on every list of female movie directors and producers because she handled so many professional hats almost effortlessly. Since her film premiered, she began working on a female-focused TV series called “The Charlotte Chronicles” to push her notable career even further.
5. Kathleen Kennedy
Directors hope to create films that earn Academy Award nominations, which is what Kathleen Kennedy accomplished eight times. She’s one of the most sought-after producers in the film industry for her instinct and business skills. She co-founded production companies and until January of 2022 was the president of Lucasfilm, so Kennedy is an excellent example of how to multitask a love for cinema and craft a lifelong career that never hits a lull.
6. Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay puts heart and humanity into critical spotlights of truth when she sits in a director’s chair. She’s one of the industry’s leading female film directors because she helmed work such as “13th,” “When They See Us” and “Selma.” Her work earned numerous Emmys, a BAFTA, an Academy Award nomination, and numerous other awards from organizations celebrating female cinematography and Black achievements in film. When DuVernay signs on to direct a project, everyone knows it’s in excellent hands.
7. Megan Ellison
Megan Ellison produced “Zero Dark Thirty” alongside Kathryn Bigelow, who eventually became the first female director to win an Academy Award in the Oscars’ then-81-year history. Ellison then produced other major hits like “Her” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Her career is worth noting by young people and industry professionals who desire to know more about picking projects for their producing dreams.
8. Jennifer Lee
Some of the leading female film directors also work in animation. When Jennifer Lee helped write “Wreck-It Ralph” for Disney Animation in 2011, she had no idea she would become a leading director and the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lee led the teams that created “Frozen,” “Moana” and “Zootopia, as well as “Big Hero Six” and “Frozen II.” There’s no limit to the genres that benefit from talented women in director roles.
Discover Female Movie Directors and Producers
Let these female movie directors and producers inspire you to think about what you want for your career. The steps these women took to make their mark on the cinematic world could lead you to think about your future from a new perspective.
Resources
More Ginger Abbot
Most Famous Female Action Heroes in Film
What Makes a Woman Different Than a Man in Film Industry Roles?
Sexism in Films and Why it Matters
Ginger Abbot is a freelance writer and graduate student with a passion for helping others find their career paths. Read more of her work on Classrooms, where she serves as Managing Editor.
