Championing fellow women and female filmmakers has always been the goal of FlixChatter. So every year I participate in the #52FilmsByWomen challenge. Introduced a few years ago by the Women In Film (WIF) organization, the basic rules are simple: watch 52 films directed by women within one year.

I also share the films I watch on social media, using the hashtag #52FilmsByWomen to spread the word and get more people talking about the women filmmakers who don’t always get attention. I have watched 43 films so far, but the last one was watched in August, so I’m only counting 42 as I’m focusing on those I watched from January – July.

April was the most productive month thanks to MSPIFF as I got to see 10 movies #directedbywomen, woot!

So here they are in the order of viewing:

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10 Best Female-Directed Movies I watched in the first half of 2024

Anatomy of a Fall*

This was on my Top 10 Best Films of 2023 list. Justine Triet‘s Oscar-nominated film is shrewdly written and boasts a powerful performance by Sandra Hüller. It’s a rarity to find a courtroom drama as gripping as this one, I couldn’t stop thinking about it weeks after I saw it.

Origin* (full review)

ORIGIN is a seriously underrated film that totally got snubbed in the Oscar race for directing. Ava DuVernay has done an incredible job here; turning a non-fiction book into a narrative film is no easy feat, but she pulls it off with a captivating, emotional, and thought-provoking story. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor shines in her role, bringing a magnetic presence that’s both smart and full of warmth and compassion.

Making Waves doc* (full review)

One of the most eye-opening and fun documentaries I’ve ever watched. If you’re a movie buff, you can’t miss it, but even if you’re just a casual viewer, it really shows how important the behind-the-scenes crew is in shaping a film. With Hollywood still being pretty male-dominated, it’s awesome that director Midge Costin, who’s a well-respected sound editor, shines a light on some talented female sound professionals in this film.

Ama Gloria* (full review)

Marie Amachoukeli-Barsacq knocked it out of the park with her solo directorial debut! She drew inspiration from her own childhood and her relationship with her nanny. The way she explores maternal love and the complicated backgrounds of the characters is done with such sensitivity. It dives deep into themes of culture, belief, and social status.

Sira*

I haven’t had the chance to review this one but I’m glad I saw this gripping survival drama on the big screen at MSPIFF. A co-production between Burkina Faso, Senegal, France, and Germany, it’s set in the Sahel in Sub-Saharan Africa. After a brutal attack, a young nomad named Sira (a fierce Nafissatou Cissé) refuses to surrender to her fate without a fight and instead takes a stand against Islamist terror. Directed by Apolline Traoré, an outstanding Burkinabé filmmaker, I look forward to catching up on more of her work.

Ghostlight* (full review)

The idea of art being a source of healing isn’t new, but Ghostlight really brings it to life in a way that feels genuine and personal, all thanks to Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson‘s masterful direction and the amazing performances from the cast. As someone who loves drama, I find this theater theme particularly appealing, but the story strikes a chord that anyone who has dealt with loss or family issues can relate to.

The Movie Teller* (full review)

Set in a mining town in the Chilean desert during the 1960s, this film showcases the incredible impact of storytelling. Director Lone Scherfig blends different genres to narrate the tale, kicking off with a lighthearted vibe as the family enjoys better days, but it takes a turn for the darker as their situation worsens. The ending beautifully connects the main character’s journey with the magic of cinema, delivering an emotional punch without feeling overly sentimental.

Laapataa Ladies*

I have written my review of this one which I will post later this month. Laapataa Ladies is such a gem! This comedy-drama by Kiran Rao really stands out from the usual Bollywood flicks that are often about flashy dance numbers and over-the-top heroes. I really appreciate how Rao highlights the journey of two everyday women from small villages as they tackle some pretty tough situations. It cleverly and humorously addresses the oppressive Indian patriarchy, but it really hits hard emotionally by the end.

I Am Celine Dion* (full review)

Whether or not you’re a fan of this iconic singer, this is such an eye-opening and inspiring documentary. I really admire Celine Dion for being so open when she’s at her most vulnerable. Hats off to Dion and documentary filmmaker Irene Taylor for shining a light on the rare Stiff Person Syndrome. This documentary has made me appreciate her even more, and her performance at the Paris Olympics’ Opening Ceremony shows what a strong and resilient woman she truly is.

Fancy Dance* (full review)

I’ve now seen Lily Gladstone in three films, starting with Certain Women and The Unknown Country, and it’s fantastic to see her take on another leading role. Erica Tremblay made a strong directorial debut with a compelling story that really lets Gladstone show off her range. I appreciate how Tremblay challenges the usual shallow representations of Indigenous communities in Hollywood.

Dandelion* (full review)

You can definitely see some parallels between John Carney’s ONCE and Flora and Son, both exploring the creative journey and challenges of chasing dreams. However, Dandelion takes it up a notch with a grittier and more intense character exploration, all thanks to Nicole Riegel’s powerful script and Kiki Layne’s nuanced performance. I sure hope to see more of Layne in leading roles.

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I want to focus more on the positive, so I’m not posting a ‘worst’ list, though if I did, The Fabulous Four would likely make the list

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So which of these films have you seen? Let me know what you think of this list or any particular films listed here.