The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on 11 February to highlight the critical role of women and girls in the scientific and technological communities, as well as to promote gender equality in these areas.
We know that science is often seen as a male-dominated field. However, the field abounds with many valuable women scientists who have made formidable discoveries.
As the International Day of Women and Girls in Science approaches, we have compiled fascinating films based on true stories of women who have broken scientific boundaries over the years and made significant changes in the world. All these stories reflect extraordinary women who have overcome gender bias and stereotypes in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Looking for inspiration on the big screen this International Day of Women and Girls in Science? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!
Radioactive (2019)
Directed by: Marjane Satrapi
Where to watch: Prime Video
Directed by French filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, and written by Jack Thorne, Radioactive is a biopic about Polish-French physicist and chemist Marie Curie (Rosamund Pike), a pioneer in radioactivity research and winner of two Nobel Prizes for her courageous efforts.
Based on the 2010 graphic novel Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss, the production offers a compelling portrait of Curie’s life and scientific achievements, highlighting her struggles as a woman scientist in a male-dominated field. In turn, the story explores the complex consequences of her ground-breaking discoveries, including both positive medical applications and the devastating potential of nuclear weapons.
Among her many achievements was the invention of a mobile X-ray unit that was used during the First World War. In addition, Curie, along with her husband, Pierre, discovered the radioactive elements polonium and radium.
Radioactive is a thoughtful and interesting portrait of Marie Curie, perfect for viewing on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Hidden Figures (2017)
Directed by: Theodore Melfi
Where to watch: Max
Released in 2017 and based on the book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures chronicles the events of the race between the United States and the Soviet Union to put the first man into orbit.
Specifically, the biopic portrays the triumphs and struggles of three brilliant African-American women whose work as “human computers” was crucial to the success of NASA’s first space flights.
This is the story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), an exceptional black mathematician who was instrumental in getting astronaut John Glenn into orbit by calculating his flight paths; Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), a mathematician who became a computer programmer and was NASA’s first African-American director; and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), another NASA mathematician who became an engineer after fighting in court to attend an all-white school’s mandatory classes.
Filled with history lessons, morality messages and rocket science, Hidden Figures has something for everyone. Undoubtedly, the legacy of these women, both in terms of space exploration and equality in the workplace, continues to inspire generations in the STEM fields.
Temple Grandin (2010)
Directed by: Mick Jackson
Where to watch: Max
Directed by Mick Jackson, Temple Grandin by Max, tells the story of the life and work of Grandin, an academic, inventor and ethologist with autism who revolutionised the treatment of livestock.
Based on her own memoirs, the film focuses on Grandin’s deep determination to learn about herself and the world, to invent and make things, and to educate others. Temple Grandin shows both the prejudices related to autism and the gender discrimination in science that Grandin had to overcome.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Grandin began working in the beef cattle industry in the 1970s, a field long dominated by men, and significantly transformed our understanding of animal welfare and the “humane” treatment of cattle. In fact, today, more than half of North America’s cattle are raised and processed in systems she designed.
The author of twelve books and hundreds of publications, Grandin is currently Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Her tireless work has been widely acclaimed and has earned her major awards, including the HBO “Temple Grandin” award and Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”.
At the time, the biographical drama Temple Grandin was very popular with critics and audiences alike. As well as featuring Claire Danes as a fantastic leading lady, the film is also a great portrayal of female resilience and a moving story that doesn’t disappoint.
Ágora (2009)
Directed by: Alejandro Amenabar
Where to watch: Netflix
Ágora is a great treat for history buffs or, indeed, anyone curious about what life was like in other times and places.
Starring Rachel Weisz, the film introduces Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 350-370; died 415 AD), a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, and one of history’s most influential, if overlooked, scientists. During her lifetime, Hypatia wrote outstanding works in her fields of study, mapped the planets, worked with astrolabes and invented the hydrometer.
In Hypatia’s time, and for centuries before, Alexandria was plagued by outbreaks of violence between Greeks and Jews, Christians and pagans. Ágora shows how Hypatia fought to preserve the Greek mathematical and astronomical heritage at a time of social and religious upheaval.
The film also explores the reasons why marriage was not an option for her; Hypatia believed that marriage would deprive her of her self-determination and detract from her ability to do her work.
Hypatia was a woman ahead of her time, and Ágora is a great choice to spend the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Directed by: Michael Apted
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Gorillas in the Mist tells the story of primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, following her career change and move to Africa to study mountain gorillas. Remarkably, Fossey’s pioneering work captured the world’s attention and brought a critical approach to primate conservation.
Played brilliantly by Sigourney Weaver, Fossey was a fierce lady who studied gorilla groups in the forests of Rwanda, developing an unprecedented understanding of their behaviour and social structures. From 1966 until her tragic death in 1985, she faced dangers from two sides: from the wild animals she studied and loved so much, and from the humans who sadly ended her life far too soon.
To this day, the American primatologist’s legacy continues to inspire global efforts to protect mountain gorillas from poachers.