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Sam Taylor-Johnson - Sam Taylor Johnson is also an OBE-recognised director. She made her debut in 2009 with the feature film ‘Nowhere Boy’, an insight into John Lennon’s childhood. Johnson also directed ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in 2015 and the Netflix series 'Gypsy' in 2017. She is also a well-respected photographer and graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London.

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Julie Anne Robinson - Robinson is another outstanding film, theatre, and TV director, mostly known for her BBC comedy serial ‘Blackpool’ (2006), for which she won a BAFTA. Robinson has also worked on series such as ‘Cutting It’, ‘No Angels’, ‘Holby City’, and ‘Suburgatory’, among many others. Additionally, she directed the film ‘The Last Song’ (2010), a romantic comedy starring Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.

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Sally Potter - Sally Potter is the mastermind behind the movie ‘Orlando’ (1992), an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel of the same name. Potter also directed ‘Rage’ (2009), ‘The Man Who Cried’ (2000), ‘The Tango Lesson’ (1997), and holds the title of an OBE. Impressive!

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Hope Dickson Leach - Hope Dickson Leach made her feature film debut last year with ‘The Levelling’ (2016). Dickson Leach’s previous works include short films such as ‘The Dawn Chorus’ (2006) and ‘Morning Echo’ (2009).

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Lynne Ramsay - This Scottish director is best-known for feature films ‘Ratcatcher’ (1999), ‘Morvern Callar’ (2002), and the psychological thriller ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011), which featured award-winning actress Tilda Swinton.

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Gurinder Chadha - Gurinder Chadha directed the hit movie ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ (2002), and has also been awarded an OBE. Originally of Kenyan and Asian descent, Chadha began her career as a reporter for BBC radio.

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Phyllida Lloyd - Phyllida Lloyd is the woman behind the world-famous feel-good movie ‘Mamma Mia’ (2008). She is also recognised for her work in theatre, and for directing the film ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011).

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Ngozi Onwurah - Ngozi Onwurah has directed films such as ‘Coffee Coloured Children’ (1988), ‘The Beautiful Body’ (1990), and ‘Welcome to the Terrordome’ (1995). Her most-recent, ‘Shoot the Messenger’ (2006), features David Oyelowo, who also played Martin Luther King in the movie ‘Selma’ (2014).

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Andrea Arnold - Arnold won an Oscar for her film ‘Wasp’ in 2005, and is arguably one of the most respected British female directors. She actually began her career in front of the screen. Some of her other films include ‘American Honey’ (2016), ‘Wuthering Heights’ (2011), ‘Fish Tank’ (2009), and ‘Red Road’ (2006).

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Amma Asante - Amma Asante, is a former actress who made her directorial debut in 2004 with her psychological thriller ‘A Way of Life’. She has also directed ‘Belle’ (2013), the story of the mixed-race daughter of a British navy admiral, who must navigate both hierarchy and race.

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Sarah Gavron - Sarah Gavron is another award-winning director worthy of praise. She is best known for her movie debut ‘Brick Lane’ (2007), an adaptation of Monica Ali’s novel of the same name. She also directed ‘Losing Touch’ (2000) and ‘Suffragette’ (2015).

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Sharon Maguire - Sharon Maguire is the director behind ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ (2001) and ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ (2016), the first and last movies of the popular comedy trilogy.

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Clio Barnard - Feature film and documentary director Clio Barnard stands out for ‘Dark River’ (2017), ‘The Selfish Giant’ (2013), and her directorial debut and award-winning film, ‘The Arbor’ (2010).

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Carine Adler - Carine Adler is a notable film director with over 20 years of experience. Originally from Brazil, Adler got her big break in the British film scene with her movie debut ‘Under the Skin’ in 1997. She also directed ‘Shooting Callery’ (1995) and ‘Fever’ (1994).

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Corinna McFarlane - McFarlane transitioned from documentary to feature film with ‘The Silent Storm’ (2009), a romantic 1940s drama set in the Scottish Isles, starring Damian Lewis and Andrea Riseborough.

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Carol Morley - You may know this award-winning director from her documentaries ‘Dreams of a Life’ (2011) and ‘The Alcohol Years’ (2000). Her most recent film is ‘The Falling’ (2014).

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S. J. Clarkson - S. J. Clarkson is the director behind the hit Netflix series ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘Jessica Jones’. She has also worked on other TV shows, such as ‘Doctors’ (2001 to 2004), ‘Eastenders’ (2004), ‘Life on Mars’ (2006 to 2007), ‘Heroes’ (2009), ‘Dexter’ (2009 to 2011), ‘Ugly Betty’ (2010), ‘House’ (2011), and ‘Banshee’ (2012)... just to name a few!

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Joanna Hogg - Joanna Hogg had her directorial debut in 2007 with her self-written film ‘Unrelated’. Some of her other successful movies include ‘Archipelago’ (2010) and ‘Exhibition’ (2013), both starring Tom Hiddleston.

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Destiny Ekaragha - Destiny Ekaragha is known for her dramatic comedy ‘Gone Too Far’ (2013), action movie ‘Rogue’ (2012), and short film ‘Tight Jeans’ (2008). In addition to Amma Asante and Ngozi Onwurah, Ekaragha is the third black female director to have her feature films screened across the UK.

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Kim Longinotto - Kim Longinotto has gained a reputation for directing and producing films with girls and women as the focal point. Some of her most notable films include ‘Pink Saris’ (2010), ‘Sisters in Law’ (2005), and ‘Gaea Girls’ (2000).

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Jeanie Finlay - Both a filmmaker and exhibition artist, Jeanie Finlay showcases her talent in all things visual. Her best-known films and documentaries include ‘Sound it Out’ (2011), ‘The Great Hip Hop Hoax’ (2013), and ‘Orion’ (2015).

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Penny Woolcock - Penny Woolcock is an Argentinian-born British screenwriter, filmmaker, and opera director. Her most distinguished works include ‘The Death of Klinghoffer’ (2003), ‘The Principles of Lust’ (2003), and ‘One Mile Away’ (2012).

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Pratibha Parmar - Pratibha Parmar is mostly recognised for her LGBT-focused and (occasionally controversial) political documentaries. She is the director behind ‘Nina’s Heavenly Delights’ (2006), ‘Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth’ (2013), and ‘A Place of Rage’ (1991).

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Gaby Dellal - Gaby Dellal’s most recent film may also be her most recognised work. Titled ‘3 Generations’ (2016), the film touches on the topic of gender identity and how to navigate finding oneself.

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Clare Peploe - According to MovieMaker, Clare Peploe never intended to become a filmmaker. She directed films such as ‘Rough Magic’ (1995), ‘High Season’ (1987), and ‘The Triumph of Love’ (2001).

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Thea Sharrock - Thea Sharrock’s most recent work includes ‘Me Before You’ (2016), an adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ novel from 2012. Sharrock also directed ‘The Hollow Crown’ (2012) and ‘The Selection’ (2012), an adaptation of the novel by Kiera Cass.

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Lucy Walker - Lucy Walker is most known for her documentaries, such as ‘Devil’s Playground’ (2002), ‘Waste Land’ (2010), ‘Blindsight’ (2006), ‘Countdown to Zero’ (2010), and ‘The Crash Reel’ (2013). Walker has also directed numerous short films, such as ‘The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom’ (2011) and ‘The Lion Mouth Opens’ (2014).

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Debbie Isitt - Best known for her festive comedy films such as ‘Nativity!’ (2009) and ‘Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger’ (2012), Debbie Isitt is also the director behind ‘Nasty Neighbours’ (1999) and ‘Confetti’ (2006).

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