For as long as there has been entertainment, there have been women making powerful and inspiring films and shows. Even then, the art of filmmaking has always been associated with men. However, shattering stereotypes, women have repeatedly proved that gender can't stand in the way of their dreams.
Continuing with International Women’s Day and Month, let’s celebrate and honour the spirit of womanhood with some of the many fantastic titles directed by women across borders.
Hundred
Directed by Ruchi Narain, Ashutosh Shah and Taher Shabbir. The show, starring Lara Dutta and Rinku Rajguru in lead roles, is about an ambitious cop and a bored government employee making one quirky team. With the clock ticking away, will this roller-coaster ride get them what they want?
The Empire
Directed by Mitakshara Kumara, The Empire is about a 14-year-old Babur who steps up to his destiny and leaves an indelible mark on history amid scheming courtiers, ministers and a dead king. The show is packed with an ensembling cast, including Shabana Azmi, Kunal Kapoor, Dino Morea and Drashti Dhami.
Turning Red
Directed by Domee Shi, the upcoming movie by Disney and Pixar introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying as her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. As if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda! The film stars the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Hyein Park, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho and James Hong. This is the first Pixar film to be solely directed by a woman.
Mulan
Directed by Niki Caro, Mulan is about a woman masquerading as a male soldier to protect her father. Being tested every step of the way, Mulan must harness her inner strength and embrace her true potential. Mulan is led by Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen and Gong Li.
OK Computer
Created by Pooja Shetty and Neil Pagedar, OK Computer is about a cyber cop and robots rights activist investigating a murder case by a self-driven car. The six-episode series is led by Radhika Apte and Vijay Verma.
Eternals
Directed by Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, the story of Eternals takes place across an extended period, primarily focusing on the present-day but often venturing to ancient civilisation and world events. Led by a vast ensemble including, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harrington, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Barry Keoghan, Kumail Nanjiani, Don Lee, Lia McHugh, and Lauren Ridloff, the Eternals were instructed to protect humanity from alien threats known as Deviants.
Celebrate the month of womanhood with the best work of women.
Compiled by Verus Ferreira