French Female Directors

Agnes Varda was a Belgian-born French film director, screenwriter, and artist. She was a key figure in the development of the French New Wave film movement of the 1950s and 1960s. She often made films addressing women’s issues and other social justice problems. She was honored with an Academy Honorary Award. She was married to director Jacques Demy. 

Anna Karina was a Danish-French film actress, singer, and director. She often collaborated with French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard and appeared in many of his films, including My Life to Live and Bande à part. She set up her own production company in 1972 and made her directorial debut with Vivre ensemble. She was also a published author. 

Pressured by her mother, actress-cum-filmmaker Maiwenn began her acting career at a very tender age, making her mark with the role of Elle, as a child, in One Deadly Summer. Continuing to perform, she took a hiatus after her marriage, eventually returning to acting, starring in movies like High Tension before venturing into film-direction; she quickly achieved international recognition with Polisse

Greek-born French actor and director Ariane Labed is best known for her Volpi Cup-winning debut role in Attenberg. She initially co-created the Vasistas theater troupe and was associated with the National Theater of Greece. She later won the Locarno, César, and Lumières awards for her performance in Fidelio: Alice's Odyssey.

Claire Denis is a French filmmaker and writer. She is best known for her 1999 film Beau Travail, which is often counted among the greatest movies of the 1990s. She is also known for directing the 2022 romantic drama film Both Sides of the Blade, which earned her the prestigious Silver Bear Award for Best Director.

Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novelist, illustrator, cartoonist, children's book author, and film director. Satrapi achieved international recognition in the early-2000s after releasing her critically acclaimed graphic novels. She is best known for writing and directing an animated biographical drama film titled Persepolis, which received nominations at prestigious award ceremonies, such as the Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Golden Globes.

Lebanese-born-French actress and film-director Delphine Seyrig played diverse roles in films and stage works. She garnered international recognition performing in the film Last Year at Marienbad and bolstered her career with other films like The Day of the Jackal and Muriel ou Le temps d'un retour. A prominent feminist-figure in France, Seyrig also directed films like Sois belle et tais-toi.   

Ovidie is a French actress, producer, director, writer, journalist, and former porn actress. She achieved popularity as a porn actress before showcasing her directorial skills by directing documentaries and pornographic films. Ovidie has won several awards, such as the Hot d'Or Award, Ninfa Award, and Feminist Porn Award. She has also written several books.

Celine Cousteau is a public figure and socio-environmental advocate. She is renowned for her work as an explorer, documentary filmmaker, artist, public speaker, designer, and brand ambassador. Céline Cousteau is credited with founding CauseCentric Productions, which produces multi-media content.

Lilyan Chauvin was a French-American actress, director, television host, acting teacher, and writer. She started her career as a radio and stage performer in England before pursuing film acting career in the USA. She then established herself as a popular film and TV actress. Lilyan Chauvin started teaching later in her life at prestigious institutions like UCLA.

French actor and filmmaker Isild Le Besco is best known for films such as Sade and Girls Can’t Swim. The third child of actor, journalist, and director Catherine Belkhodja, she has also been part of short films such as Cinematon. Her performance in Sade earned her a Lumières Award.

Yaël Boon is a French–Swiss actress, screenwriter, film producer, and director. She is best known for appearing in several popular French language films, such as Supercondriaque and Welcome to the Sticks. In 2010, Yaël Boon also achieved popularity as a writer for her work in the Franco-Belgian comedy film Nothing to Declare.