femfilmrogue: 30 Best Films Directed By Women of Color

Jessie Maple, a Black director and cinematographer, is one of the first African American directors to release a full-length feature film.

September kicks off the official Directed By Women celebration— a much needed way of highlighting the problematic film industry which still presents white male directors as the privilege key holders to the filmmaking gate. Directed By Women purposely breaks away from the male domination to open up the closed box, showcasing the nuanced stories women behind the camera (and often times behind the pen) portray in their respective films. Time and time again, women directors have masterly proven to take down drama, romance, comedy, horror, and other genres with the “best” white filmmaker. They have the ability to add unique layers often undervalued by the gritty (sexist/racist) awards season.
Although a women’s film renaissance seems to be rising (or falling) every year, there remains an evidenced hard-working ethic that continues to emerge forward despite the stacked uneven odds.
Now while perusing several “Best Women Directed” lists today, some solid films by women of color were left behind. All women have a difficult path to getting films made, especially Black, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern directors. Thus, this compiled list contains a number of theatrical releases, some limited showings, and few television films.