my fav directors
Andrea Arnold
Andrea Arnold is a master of raw, immersive storytelling, using non-professional actors and naturalistic dialogue to create deeply authentic characters. Her films explore themes of identity, power, and human connection, often confronting societal norms with unflinching realism.
Her soundtracks add another layer of emotional depth, blending nostalgia with the characters' journeys in a way that feels deeply personal. Whether tackling surveillance in Red Road or the struggles of adolescence in Fish Tank, Arnold’s work lingers long after the credits roll, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema.
Ann Hui
Ann Hui makes my list for so many reasons. She’s a critically acclaimed filmmaker who does it all—writer, director, producer, occasional actress, and the face of Hong Kong New Wave cinema. What I love most about her films is how life-like they feel. Her work captures the complexity of ordinary life with an eerie and deeply relatable tone. Her films often explore significant social issues, particularly women’s rights, political change, and the social stagnation and blindness that intrigue me. If you haven’t watched a film by Ann Hui, you need to! The first film I saw by her was about domestic violence called Night and Fog. Start there and let me know what other films you like!
Nida Manzoor
After watching Nida Manzoor’s debut feature film, Polite Society, I became completely obsessed. I had the chance to see its premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival and even attend a Q&A with her and some of the cast. Hearing her talk about how long it took to secure funding and the struggles she faced in bringing this film to life only deepened my admiration for her. Her determination to see her vision through is truly inspiring.
Nida Manzoor’s films center on female friendships and relationships, exploring how culture and society try to shape them. She has a distinct, lighthearted tone, balancing serious themes with comedic breaks that give the story room to breathe. Her work is both powerful and refreshingly fun, and I can't wait to see what she does next.