To celebrate Women’s History Month, Suite teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Sarah Thomas Moffat to highlight some of most influential & inspiring women behind the lens. Moffat has spent the last 25-plus years working in cinema, and currently focuses on collaborative projects with a specialty in Virtual Production.

As a passionate cinephile, my imagination has been profoundly shaped by movies...

Growing up on Star Wars, Alien, and Terminator, I was always drawn to worlds of another galaxy, and those who lived there. I only realized later that it was always the women in those stories, the “Sheroes” that truly had my attention. The characters of Princess Leia, Ripley, and Sarah Connor, to the more recent Woman King’s General Nanisca, and others have all inspired me. I would cheer for them, I wanted to live adventures like they did, and I wanted to be a part of their movies, however that could happen. These characters gave me hope, and made me believe I could do anything.

They were mighty, but I found myself wondering: Why weren’t there more Sheroes on the big screen? Who was behind making these movies anyway? It wasn’t until I started working in the film industry as a camera assistant did I observe a reality that would motivate me to become a Director of Photography. Today, I film those Sheroes, tell their stories, and propel their narratives into the spotlight. This essay celebrates some of the extraordinary Sheroes behind the camera, who have shaped me, and the movie industry, with their contributions to the craft.

These pioneering spirits defied societal norms to become contemporary trailblazers who continue to redefine cinematic storytelling; they have also all left an indelible mark on my cinematic experience. The narratives they crafted, the characters they brought to life, and the barriers they broke have enriched the landscape of cinema forever. In exploring the tapestry of women's influence in film, I find inspiration not only in their creative prowess but also in the resilience that propelled them to overcome systemic challenges and redefine their roles in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

One such trailblazer is Alice Guy-Blaché, a French filmmaker from the Silent Film era often credited as the world's first director, who was also a woman. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Guy-Blaché directed hundreds of films, exploring a wide range of genres and techniques.

Dorothy Arzner, another significant figure from the Silent Era, broke barriers by becoming the first woman to direct a Hollywood studio film. Arzner's career spanned from the 1920s to the 1940s, during which she directed films that challenged traditional gender roles and explored complex female characters. Her resilience and innovation paved the way for future generations of women filmmakers, proving that talent knows no gender.

As Hollywood entered its Golden Age, a handful of women continued to make their mark despite the industry's male-dominated nature. Ida Lupino, a versatile talent, not only starred in films but also directed and produced, breaking the mold of the traditional actress. In the 1950s, she founded The Filmakers Inc., an independent production company, showcasing her commitment to telling stories that mattered.

The 1970s brought forth a new wave of feminist filmmakers, with names like Lina Wertmüller and Jane Campion rising to prominence. Wertmüller, an Italian director, shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. Her films, marked by bold storytelling and social commentary, challenged societal norms and earned critical acclaim. Campion, a New Zealand director, made history by winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for The Piano in 1993. Her work often delves into the complexity of female characters, offering nuanced perspectives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Campion's success at Cannes marked a turning point, signaling a growing recognition of women's contributions to cinema.

In the 21st century, women in film continue to redefine the landscape of cinema, both in Hollywood and globally. Kathryn Bigelow, known for her groundbreaking work in directing, became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker in 2010. Bigelow's achievement not only showcased her talent, it shattered the glass ceiling.

Ava DuVernay, a writer, director, producer, and advocate for diversity in film, has been at the forefront of the industry's transformation. With films like Origin, Selma, and 13th, DuVernay addresses social issues and advocates for justice, using her platform to amplify marginalised voices. Ava has also achieved multiple “firsts” for women of color in the director’s chair, including a recent history-making event—being the first African American director and woman in the coveted Venice Film Festival’s 80-year existence. Beyond her directorial success, she founded ARRAY, a distribution company dedicated to promoting films by women & people of color.

Globally, women filmmakers have also been making significant strides. Niki Caro, a New Zealand writer/director, gained international acclaim for her work on Whale Rider, and later directed Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan. Her ability to navigate both intimate narratives and epic tales demonstrates the breadth of women's storytelling capabilities. Mandy Walker ASC ACS was Nikki’s cinematographer on Mulan, and recently became the first woman to receive the ASC and ACS awards for Best Cinematography on Elvis, the Baz Luhrmann biopic. Mandy was also the second woman to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography for Elvis.

The first woman to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography was Rachel Morrison ASC with her work on the film Mudbound, directed by Dee Rees. Rachel’s cinematography in Mudbound earned her the historic nomination at the Academy Awards in its 90th year. Dee Rees, writer and director was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the same movie—the first African American woman to earn this nomination.

Let’s not forget the aforementioned Woman King. Produced by Maria Bello and Cathy Schulman, written by Dana Stevens, and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, cinematography by Polly Morgan ASC/BSC, edited by Terilyn A. Shropshire, starring Viola Davis and a long list of incredible women. This entire project makes me want to jump up and cheer! Incredible work!

These women, and many more, are the reason I stay involved the film industry. They contribute to my “why”—this business isn’t easy, so why stick it out? It is our shared spirit and knowing to do what we are called to do and to become—that’s why we’re here. By default, women become rebels for telling the stories we love. In the same moment, though, we become the change-makers, the leaders and the Sheroes that inspire the next generation.

What's left to say? Go be your own Shero! Add your unique voice to the halls of time—you never know when the next child will be watching your story, your cinematography, your talent and passion on-screen and see themselves in your work, see your name in the credits, and believe they can do it too.

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