Great Directors 2

Notable Women Directors

Fall 2026 Session  **Accepting New Members**

The overall objective of the group is for members to increase their understanding and appreciation of the collaborative art of filmmaking in general, and particularly their knowledge of the work of noteworthy movie directors from various countries and eras.

Members will view each film together and then share their responses and insights into various aspects of the film, such as screenplay, direction, acting, production design, cinematography, themes and symbols, sound, and editing. The facilitators will provide background notes for each film. Members who wish to do so may lead the discussion of a particular film.

As indicated by the sub-title of the group, this session of Great Directors aims to expand participants’ knowledge and appreciation of women directors. Participants will view and critique six films directed by notable women. Films directed by women are frequently distinguished by intimate character studies, nuanced explorations of identity, and a focus on interpersonal relationships. They often challenge traditional cinematic conventions, offering empathic perspectives on marginalized experiences, complex emotional landscapes, and social commentary via authentic storytelling. The following films will be viewed and discussed:

Agnes Varda, Vagabond (1985)

Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation (2003)

Clare Denis, White Material (2009)

Susanne Bier, In a Better World (2010)

Kelly Reichardt, Certain Women (2016)

Chloe Zhao, Nomadland (2020)