By Jessica Herndon
There’s something undeniably fierce about women — whether we’re breaking glass ceilings, asserting our power, regaining control, or fighting for change, we always make our mark. From the boardroom to overcoming personal hardships, our strength is in our resilience, wisdom, and unyielding drive to carve out space for ourselves. That dynamic energy pulses through our stories — especially on the big screen.
In honor of Women’s History Month and Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the Sundance Institute–supported films that push boundaries and showcase the brilliance and force of women both in front of and behind the camera. This curation celebrates dynamic characters and the directors who’ve created deep, emotional, powerful, and complex art.
From raw explorations of identity, connection, and ambition to intense political campaigns, the 10 films below — like Fair Play, which dives into workplace gender dynamics; Knock Down the House, a documentary following powerful women in politics; and The 40-Year-Old Version, a comedy about an artist at a crossroads — offer authentic portraits of bold women.
A Thousand and One — 2023 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize
A Thousand and One explores motherhood, identity, and survival in New York City, all told through the lens of the unapologetically bold Inez, played by Teyana Taylor. Beautifully directed by A.V. Rockwell and featuring Taylor’s powerful performance, the artists present a narrative that is intimate, universally resonant, and incredibly raw. As Inez fights to reclaim her son and build a life against the odds, the film offers a nuanced look at the Black experience, exploring systemic injustice, resilience, complex family bonds, and what it means to be a strong mother.
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Fair Play — 2023 Sundance Film Festival
Boardroom baddies, add this one to the queue! Fair Play, a tense, thought-provoking thriller about power, gender dynamics, and ambition in the corporate world, was directed by Chloe Domont and stars Phoebe Dynevor as a sharp financial analyst at a hedge fund in New York. Dynevor’s portrayal of a woman navigating a high-stakes, male-dominated environment is incredibly inspiring, and with its exploration of inequality and ambition, it sparks important conversations around workplace dynamics and gender. Click here for viewing options.
Girlfight — 2000 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Directing Award: Dramatic and Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic award
Girlfight, starring Michelle Rodriguez before she became known as Letty in The Fast and Furious franchise, follows a young woman’s journey of self-discovery through the brutal world of boxing. Sure, seeing anyone take multiple punches to the bod can be a lot if you get squeamish easily, but this film, which solidified Karyn Kusama as a visionary director, is essential coming-of-age viewing. The exploration of resilience, independence, and the complexities of identity cast a spotlight on women in sports. And Rodriguez’s unforgettable performance as Diana, a troubled teenager fighting for respect and a future, instantly made her one to watch. Click here for viewing options.
Knock Down the House — 2019 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Audience Award: U.S. Documentary and Festival Favorite Award
Looking for a film about female empowerment and political resistance? We’ve got you covered! An inspiring documentary that chronicles the grassroots campaigns of four women — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Cori Bush — challenging hard-hitting political figures in the 2018 U.S. Congressional elections, Knock Down the House is a necessary watch. Directed by Rachel Lears, the film captures the determination of these women, whose ambition and passion for change are at the heart of the film. Each woman — AOC, Vilela, Swearengin, and Bush — brings her own unique perspective to the race, yet all share a commitment to challenging the status quo and making history. Click here for viewing options.
Late Night — 2019 Sundance Film Festival
Get your laugh on with this sharp comedy that takes on the cutthroat world of late-night television with wit and heart. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the film stars Mindy Kaling as Molly, a young writer who shakes up the established all-male writers’ room of a popular late-night show, helmed by the show’s veteran host, played by Emma Thompson. The film is a smart take on gender dynamics, career ambition, and the challenges women face in high-profile industries. Kaling, who also wrote the script, blends humor with powerful social commentary, including highlighting the importance of diversity in entertainment. Click here for viewing options.
Love Lies Bleeding — 2023 Sundance Film Festival
A gritty, sexy exploration of obsession, beauty, and the pursuit of perfection in the world of competitive bodybuilding, Love Lies Bleeding is directed by Barbara Crampton and stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian, delivering powerhouse performances as lovers navigating the dark side of ambition and body image. An unapologetic depiction of the cost of success, the film captivates with its visceral portrayal of a highly competitive, physically demanding world where the line between dedication and self-destruction becomes increasingly blurred. Click here for viewing options.
On Her Shoulders — 2018 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary
On Her Shoulders is a moving documentary that follows Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman and Nobel Peace Prize winner, as she bravely shares her harrowing story of survival and resilience after being captured and enslaved by ISIS. Directed by Alexandria Bombach, the film’s sensitive and intimate portrayal of Murad’s mission to raise awareness about the genocide of the Yazidi people will stay with you. The documentary takes viewers along with Murad as she becomes a global advocate for human rights, confronting the trauma of her past while fighting for justice. Courageous and determined, Murad is not just a survivor but a fierce force for change in the world. Click here for viewing options.
Real Women Have Curves — 2002 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Audience Award: Dramatic and the Special Jury Prize for Acting
In the mood for a heartwarming drama about a young Mexican-American woman, played by America Ferrera, struggling to reconcile her dreams with her family’s expectations? Oh, absolutely! Ferrera, in her breakout role, captures the fierce determination of a woman fighting for her independence and identity in the face of cultural and familial pressures. Real Women Have Curves, directed by Patricia Cardoso, has become a cultural milestone, inspiring women to embrace their true selves and sparking conversations about Latina identity, female empowerment, and body image. Click here for viewing options.
The 40-Year-Old Version — 2020 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic
If you’re feeling like you’re in a career slump, like you’re having an identity crisis, or are just in need of a good laugh this month — or anytime! — watch Radha Blank’s The 40-Year-Old Version, a sharp, comedic look at reinvention and artistic authenticity. In the film, which Blank wrote and directed, she stars as a playwright navigating a creative and personal crisis. In her directorial debut, Blank digs into aging, artistic ambition, and the struggles of staying true to oneself in a world that often doesn’t value authenticity. It’s an unmissable deep and witty take on the challenges of being a Black woman in the arts Click here for viewing options.
The Nightingale — 2018 Sundance Film Festival
This list wouldn’t be complete without a twisted, action-packed film, and The Nightingale is definitely good for both! The film is a brutal, harrowing period drama directed by Jennifer Kent, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Tasmania. Starring Aisling Franciosi, the movie follows a young Irish convict seeking revenge after a tragic personal loss. With its intense portrayal of trauma, survival, and vengeance, The Nightingale is both a powerful exploration of female strength and a commentary on the brutalities of colonialism. Click here for viewing options.
Troop Zero — 2019 Sundance Film Festival
Troop Zero is a whimsical coming-of-age story that is perfect for the whole family. Directed by Amber Templemore-Finlayson and Katie Ellwood, collectively known as Bert & Bertie, the film follows a misfit group of girls who form a Girl Scout troop in rural Georgia, led by the ambitious Christmas Flint, played by Mckenna Grace. With a standout ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Allison Janney, and Jim Gaffigan, Troop Zero is charming and empowering, celebrating the power of friendship, individuality, and chasing big dreams. The inclusive story about finding your place in the world is full of feel-good energy. Click here for viewing options.
