List
Spotlight on Women Directors: Independent Films
We believe these critically acclaimed under the radar gems deserve to be seen more often. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe!
2024Get this itemFilmmaker Aitch Alberto nicely adapted and directed Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s much-lauded, coming-of-age young adult novel about two Mexican American teenagers grappling with their identity, sexuality, and complicated family relationships in 1987 El Paso, TX. Keep the tissues ready because you will feel all the feelings. This was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2024. Alberto picked up the Palm Springs International Film Festival's Directors to Watch award in 2022.
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Nanny
2023Get this itemNikyatu Jusu's directorial debut is a multilayered, genre blending of horror, fantasy, and realism that beautifully incorporates social commentary and a running thread of uneasiness throughout the narrative. While you won't get your typical jump scares, it will leave you thinking long after you watch it. Nikyatu Jusu received the Film Independent Spirit Award Someone to Watch in 2022.
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The Persian Version
2023Get this itemAn Iranian American woman who’s often at odds with her mother learns a family secret that leads her down a road of discovery and reevaluation of the relationship she has with her strong-willed mother. Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz drew inspiration from her own life and that of her mother. Her 2011 debut feature film Circumstance; also won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
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On the Come Up
2023Get this itemRenowned and 2022 Emmy nominated actor Sanaa Lathan makes her director debut with an adaptation of Angie Thomas' New York Times bestselling book. Sixteen-year-old Bri Jackson is a gifted rapper who’s trying to break out with the right song at the right time. Lathan plays Bri’s mother, newcomer Jamila Gray has the lead role, and the always reliable Da'Vine Joy Randolph is Aunt Pooh. It’s an empowering musical journey.
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Polite Society
2023Get this itemNida Manzoor's feature debut is a loving and keen tribute to sisterhood while successfully merging elements of a variety of film genres and subverting the common stereotypes found in movies that feature South Asian characters. It was nominated for several British Independent Film Awards in 2023.
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Blue Jean
2023Get this itemThis stirring and powerful movie debut by Georgia Oakley captures a slice of British queer history in the 1980s. It takes a nonjudgmental and nuanced approach of self-acceptance, intergenerational solidarity, and sapphic power. Rosy McEwen gives a restrained and excellent performance as the titular character. The film was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer at the 2023 BAFTA Awards.
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A Thousand and One
2023Get this itemInez, recently released from Rikers Island, kidnaps her six-year-old son from the foster care system and spends the next 10 years raising him. This first feature film from A.V. Rockwell got a ton of buzz upon release and earned many accolades such as Best Film Debut award from Gotham and Film Independent Spirit Award and the Grand Jury Prize from Sundance Film Festival in 2024. It has stunning performances, thought-provoking themes, and a masterful depiction of New York City between 1994 and 2005.
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Carmen
2022Get this itemGoing along with tradition, Carmen worked as the unpaid caregiver for her older brother, the local priest, since she was 16. When he dies suddenly Carmen must leave the rectory, but what are her options at age 50? This movie shows a path toward happiness, awareness, and agency, with a touch of magic realism. Set in Malta in the 1980s, writer/director Valerie Buhagiar says that her script was inspired by true events. The film won several awards, including the 2022 Best Feature Film at the Canadian Film Festival.
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India Sweets and Spices
2022Get this itemDirected by Geeta Malik, this dramedy focuses on the complexities of family dynamics, adhering to social expectations, and being true to yourself. It won the 2022 Breakout Indie Film award from the Gold List, which honors the most outstanding Asian Pacific achievements in the film industry each year.
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Language Lessons
2021Get this itemAdam’s husband Will surprises him with a gift of 100 online Spanish lessons. Then Will dies suddenly. Adam, feeling lost and grieving, nonetheless continues the sessions and an unexpected friendship develops between Adam and his teacher Cariño. It’s sad, funny, authentic, warm, and relatable. Directed by Natalie Morales, who cowrote and costars in the movie. Hollywood Critics Association awarded Natalie Morales the Filmmaker on the Rise Award in 2022.
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Te llevo conmigo: I Carry You with Me
2021Get this itemFiction and documentary seemingly blur in this genuine and moving film. Based on a true story, the actors playing younger versions of the main characters, Ivan and Gerardo, are affecting and beautifully convey the multifaceted meaning of “you” as well as home and family, while the real Ivan and Gerardo appear as their older selves to bring everything full circle. Directed by Heidi Ewing, who won the 2020 Sundance Film Festival award for Next Innovator.
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Yellow Rose
2021Get this itemRose is an undocumented Filipina teen living in Texas, and her dream is to become a country music singer. However, when her mother is apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Rose has to figure out a different way. Directed by Diane Paragas. This film won the 2019 Grand Jury Prize Award from the Asian American International Film Festival.
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Falls around Her
2021Get this itemVeteran actor Tantoo Cardinal shines as a celebrated First Nations musician who leaves the demands of celebrity behind, returning to her home on the reserve to reconnect with the land, community, and culture. She finds that it’s not so easily done, as she deals with unwelcome intrusions. Written and directed by Darlene Naponse, this was nominated at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival for Best Canadian Feature Film.
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Signature Move
2018Get this itemZaynab is a closeted thirtysomething Pakistani Muslim lesbian lawyer taking care of her recently widowed, soap opera obsessed mother and hiding her sexuality. While her mother wants to find a husband for her single daughter, Zaynab starts to fall for Alma, an openly gay, vivacious Mexican bookseller. You'll love the strong mother-daughter dynamic, plus the rom-com vibe. Directed by Jennifer Reeder, based on the screenplay by Fawzia Mirza who does double duty playing Zaynab in the film. It got L.A. Outfest's Grand Jury Award in 2017.
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Keep the Change
2018Get this itemDavid, ordered by the court to attend a social program for adults at a Jewish Community Center, believes that he does not belong there. When he gets a homework assignment to visit the Brooklyn Bridge with the effervescent Sarah, he begins to realize other possibilities. Director Rachel Israel used nonprofessional actors, and they helped to develop their characters. Israel won numerous Tribeca Film Festival awards, including Best New Narrative Director, in 2017.
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Jasper Jones
2018Get this itemSet in 1968 Australia, this is a perceptive coming-of-age movie about a young boy accused of causing the disappearance of a local girl. Based on Craig Silvey’s novel and directed by Rachel Perkins, the film examines such issues as prejudice, discrimination, child abuse, domestic violence, and Aboriginal rights. It was nominated for several awards from the Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards in 2018.
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Infinitely Polar Bear
2016Get this itemTruly, there are equal amounts of hurt and humor as director Maya Forbes takes inspiration from her own parents in this heartfelt and honest film about a mixed-race family that is learning to find normalcy when the father is struggling with bipolar disorder. Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana give outstanding and award nominated performances. Maya Forbes won the Directors to Watch Award at the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival.
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Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity
2003Get this itemConcerned that her single mom is lonely and overworked, young Mindy tries Taoist magic to improve the situation. Charming is the first word that comes to mind in describing this feel-good film. Writer/director Mina Shum was awarded the 2022 Best Canadian Screenplay at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Don’t miss her debut and critically acclaimed movie "Double Happiness," which also stars the incredible Sandra Oh.
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