For a while after the invention of motion pictures, all the ventures were films directed by men. That is, until Alice Guy-Blaché came along. She was initially hired as a secretary for French inventor Léon Gaumont, who also founded the world's first film studio. But in 1896, Alice directed her first film The Cabbage Fairy, becoming the first woman to ever do that and paving the way for generations of female directors to come. Interestingly, The Cabbage Fairy was also the first narrative story to be put on film.
Of course, it was not always easy. Like in many other spheres dominated by men, women had to struggle not only with the difficulties of the profession, but also with discrimination and gender stereotypes. For example, Park Nam-Ok, the first Korean female movie director, not only had to carry her newborn daughter on her back during the shoots but would also cook for the entire crew.
Today there is no lack of female directors in Hollywood, or across the globe. From famous female directors like Sofia Coppola, Mira Nair, Agnes Varda, and many more, to the ones that are just starting to make their first steps in the movie industry, women directors continue giving us great entertainment in a variety of genres.
Do you know which directors of famous movies were actually women? Leave us a comment below to name your favorite female filmmakers. In the meantime, enjoy the collection of movies we’ve compiled for you, all of which were made by women.
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