Women filmmakers have been carving out their place in an industry that was dominated by men for a very long time.
This Women's Month, we celebrate those women who continue to break barriers and redefine storytelling.
The history of women in filmmaking is a testament to resilience and creativity. In the early 20th century, women like Alice Guy-Blaché and Lois Weber were among the first directors and producers, challenging the status quo in an industry that was still finding its feet.
These women paved the way for future generations, showing that women could not only participate in filmmaking but excel at it.
Today, the fight for representation and equality continues. Women filmmakers are not just behind the camera; they're at the forefront, telling stories that matter, pushing boundaries, and creating spaces where diverse voices are heard.
South African women filmmakers are no exception to this global trend. Born in Johannesburg and raised in the coastal town of Strand, Emilie Badenhorst is a shining example of this.
A graduate of the University of Cape Town in Theatre and Performance, Badenhorst has focused on Performance Directing, carving out her niche in a competitive industry.
In 2020, Badenhorst, alongside her friend and collaborator Kanya Viljoen, co-wrote and directed the short film “Ekstasis”.
This project explored the complex landscape of multilingualism in South Africa, Afrikaner culture, and LGBTQIA+ bodies.
Through their work, Badenhorst and Viljoen questioned moments of intimacy and love, particularly within the confines of societal borders - a reality they experience daily.
In 2024, the Showmax series, “Wyfie”, released. The Afrikaans university drama followed the lives of four mismatched first-year room-mates at Pantera res at the fictional Eike university.
Badenhorst and Eva du Preez, known for her award-winning editing work on films like “Poppie Nongena” and “Kanarie”, took a significant leap when they directed the series.
Neither had directed a TV series before but their fresh perspective brought something special to the screen.
Du Preez said: “I want to tell stories that highlight people's lives and help people grow and become better, where we can live in a world where we’re kinder to each other. When we watch films, it’s a moment to escape our own traumatised selves and find ways out of dark times.”
“Wyfie“ has been racking up nominations, from The Global Production Awards in Cannes to the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards and The Seoul International Drama Awards.
The latest nod comes from the MIPAfrica’s Inclusive Lens Awards for its LGBTQIA+ representation, a testament to the show's ability to portray the complexities of young women navigating university life.
The impact of “Wyfie” goes beyond entertainment. It has created a space for young women to feel seen and heard, tackling important issues like rape, sexuality and political struggles.
Their commitment to telling women’s stories from a woman’s perspective is reshaping the narrative in South African media.
As Badenhorst puts it: "Women telling women’s stories is so important. There’s a sensitivity and relatability when women tell women’s stories."
Du Preez echoes this sentiment, adding that the industry is slowly evolving, with more opportunities for women to showcase their talents.
“When I started, I got a lot of jobs because I was a woman, which initially offended me. I decided to prove my worth through my work, and eventually, people asked to work with me for my skills, not my gender,” she said.
“It's still a challenge, but I've noticed changes and more consequences for inappropriate behaviour. The industry is slowly evolving, but there's still work to be done.”
While there has been progress, challenges remain. However, with role models like Badenhorst and Du Preez, the future looks bright.
“We have a responsibility to care about the stories we tell. It may seem like small decisions, but caring about those decisions gives value to that character and that person as an actor, what they’re doing, and what we’re doing. We’re telling stories for a living; there’s a purpose in it,” Badenhorst concluded.
Watch the trailer for “Wyfie” season 2 below: