The Women That Paved The Way

For far too long, the history of film has been dominated by male voices, but behind the scenes, countless women have fought to carve out their place in the industry, shaping cinema in ways that are often overlooked. From pioneering screenwriters to visionary directors, these women paved the way for future generations, breaking barriers and redefining storytelling. Their influence can be seen in everything from romantic comedies to hard-hitting dramas, proving that women’s voices are not just important—they’re essential.

Alice Guy-Blaché: The First Female Filmmaker

Before Hollywood became the epicentre of film, Alice Guy-Blaché was already making history. As one of the first filmmakers ever, she directed and produced hundreds of films in the early 1900s, pioneering narrative storytelling in cinema. At a time when women were rarely given leadership roles, she ran her own studio and pushed the boundaries of what film could be. Without her innovations, the industry as we know it might not exist.

Frances Marion: The Silent Film Era’s Powerhouse

One of the most successful screenwriters of early Hollywood, Frances Marion became the first woman to win an Academy Award for screenwriting (The Big House, 1930). Writing over 300 scripts, she was instrumental in shaping the transition from silent films to "talkies." She proved that storytelling transcends gender, setting the stage for more women to step behind the typewriter and craft compelling narratives.

Dorothy Arzner: The Trailblazing Director

As the first woman to direct a film with sound, Dorothy Arzner shattered glass ceilings in Hollywood. She directed films throughout the 1920s and ’30s, mentoring stars like Katharine Hepburn and paving the way for women in a role that was almost exclusively male-dominated. Her work challenged traditional gender roles, both on and off the screen, leaving a lasting legacy for future female directors.

Nora Ephron: The Queen of Romantic Comedy

Few writers have captured love and human connection as effortlessly as Nora Ephron. With films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, Ephron redefined the modern rom-com, giving audiences sharp-witted dialogue, deeply relatable characters, and female leads who were both vulnerable and strong. She proved that romantic comedies could be just as smart and sophisticated as any other genre, influencing countless writers in the process.

Ava DuVernay: Redefining Who Gets to Tell Stories

Ava DuVernay became the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars with Selma. She has consistently used her platform to challenge Hollywood’s status quo, advocating for women and people of colour in film. Through projects like 13th and When They See Us, she highlights social justice issues, proving that filmmaking can be a tool for change. Her career has opened doors for a new generation of female filmmakers who are unapologetic about telling the stories that matter.

Chloé Zhao: The Oscar Trailblazer

Chloé Zhao made history as the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director with Nomadland. Her quiet, contemplative storytelling style focuses on real people and raw emotion, redefining how intimate stories can be told on the big screen. Her journey from indie filmmaker to Oscar-winning director is an inspiration to all creatives pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Greta Gerwig: The Modern Visionary

Greta Gerwig has become a defining voice of contemporary cinema, seamlessly transitioning from actress to acclaimed screenwriter and director. With Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie, she has proven that personal, female-driven stories can be both critical and commercial successes. Her work captures the complexities of womanhood with humour, authenticity, and an emotional depth that proved to resonate across generations when she broke barriers in 2023 as the first solo female director to hit the $1 billion box office mark with Barbie. Her success not only shattered industry records but also underscored the demand for female-led storytelling on a massive scale.

Diablo Cody: The Rule-Breaker

Diablo Cody burst onto the scene with Juno, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and cementing herself as one of the most distinctive voices in screenwriting. With her razor-sharp dialogue and offbeat storytelling, Cody challenges conventions and gives voice to characters who are often overlooked. She reminds aspiring female screenwriters that their voices don’t have to conform—they just have to be authentic.

Patty Jenkins: Superhero of the Industry

Patty Jenkins made history as the first woman to direct a major superhero film with Wonder Woman, proving that female directors could helm big-budget blockbusters just as successfully as their male counterparts. Her success not only shattered box office records but also set a precedent for more women to be trusted with large-scale projects.

Emerald Fennell: Fearless and Unapologetic

With Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell established herself as one of the most daring new voices in film. Her bold storytelling choices and sharp social commentary make her work impossible to ignore. She represents a new wave of female filmmakers who aren’t afraid to take risks and challenge audiences.

Adrienne Shelley: A Legacy of Heart and Strength

And last but not least one of my absolute icons and inspirations, Adrienne Shelley. Her film, Waitress, is a testament to the power of female storytelling. Written, directed, and starring Shelley, this film is a moving and empowering story of self-discovery and resilience. Even after her tragic passing, her work continues to inspire, proving that heartfelt, character-driven stories can leave a lasting impact.

Honouring the Women Who Paved the Way

The women on this list—and so many more—have changed the face of cinema through their talent, resilience, and vision. They fought for opportunities in an industry that often side-lined them, proving that female voices are not only valuable but vital.

Their success reminds me, and every aspiring writer and filmmaker, that no matter how many barriers exist, persistence, passion, and authenticity will always find a way to break through.

The future of film is brighter because of these women. And thanks to them, the next generation of storytellers—of all genders—has a stronger foundation to build upon.

Thank you, ladies!