When it comes to telling true stories about the female experience, it's all about getting women behind the camera. Refinery29's Shatterbox Anthology series is comprised of 12 new and veteran filmmakers and these women are ready to show the world what it's like to live as a woman and female-identified person in this world.
For too long female directors have been invisible next to their male counterparts and are met with questions regarding their qualifications instead of respect. The site Shit People Say To Women Directors is a frightening account of what is said to women in the film industry on a regular basis. “Do you really think you’ll be able to handle that camera rig though? ” Yes. Women can hold cameras, write scripts, and direct films.
Here is a look at the next crew of filmmakers dedicated to showing you true experiences.
Director: Anu Valia
Film: Lucia, Before And After
This director, writer, producer, and actor has been seen everywhere. Her newest film, Lucia, Before And After, follows a young woman during an abortion clinic crisis.
Director: Chloë Sevigny
Film: Kitty
From Kids to Kitty, Sevigny has never shied away from subversive projects. In her film, she explores the world of a young girl who has transformed into a kitten.
Director: Courtney Hoffman
Film: The Good Time Girls
Costume designer, writer, director. There is nothing Hoffman can't do. Her film The Good Time Girls is a female-driven western dead-set on revenge.
Director:Gabourey Sidibe
Film: The Tale Of Four
Her acting debut gave her an Academy Award nomination and her directorial debut is going to be just as stellar. The Tale Of Four is based on the song "Four Women" by Nina Simone.
Director: Jessica Dimmock
Film: Esprit
This photojournalist has dedicated her work to showcasing the truth — no matter the experience. Esprit follows an annual week-long conference that draws transgender women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s together from all over the country.
Director:Pamela Romanowsky
Film: Watching You Watching Me
Romanowsky dived head-first into directing and came out with a laundry list of acclamations. Watching You Watching Me is a short film takes a deep dive into how we are perceived in this world through the skin of that person.
Director:Meera Menon
Film: The Press Conference
Menon is coming off the success of her Sundance film Equity and is gearing up to showcase another woman in power. In The Press Conference, a conservative governor must face allegations of her infidelity.
Directors: Roja Gashtili & Julia Lerman
Film: Pinky
Based on a true story, Pinky is about the liminal moment between girlhood and adulthood captured at the most clear-cut setting: a slumber party.
Director:Tiffany Shlain
Film: 50/50 Project
Shlain is an Emmy-nominated, Sundance filmmaker, Webby Awards creator, mom, and all-around badass. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her film 50/50 Project explores the past, present, and future of women in power.
Director:Jessica Sanders
Film: End Of The Line
There is not one aspect of the film industry this director hasn't touched. Sanders is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, award-winning commercial director. End Of The Line is about a man who goes to the pet store to purchase a tiny man in a cage.
Director: Robin Cloud
Film: Out Again
We're loving this NYC comedian and writer-turned-director for her film Out Again — a story about a young woman who must repeatedly come out to her mother who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.
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