“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life,” said writer Maya Angelou. It’s International Women’s Day! And to commemorate the struggles and achievements of women around the world we bring you a list of films, based on true stories, that highlight women’s ability to lead, influence, challenge stereotypes, make change and promote equal opportunities.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Many true stories based on women have been silenced and deleted from historical records, the film industry has not helped, by giving more value to films based on real events led by men.
However, there are many examples out there that are extremely relevant, and Hidden Figures is one of them.
This brilliant film follows the story of three African-American women who were engineers at NASA, playing a key role in sending man into space. They weren’t the only ones, thousands of women passed through these engineering departments, but the story didn’t capture attention until writer Margot Lee Shetterly began writing about it in 2010.
The Oscar-winning film, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, also discusses the racial and gender discrimination these professional women faced on the job.
Frida (2002)
The life of the famous Mexican painter was brought to the screen by Salma Hayek, with a brilliant performance.
In this biopic you can delve into the life of Frida Kahlo, her daring nature, revolutionary artistic vision and her loves, especially the one she lived with the painter Diego Rivera.
Kahlo broke all kinds of barriers in her professional and personal path, which is why she continues to be one of the most emblematic female figures of all time.
The Woman King (2022)
The Woman King was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and features Viola Davis. It is another story based on real events, but it seems closer to fiction.
The plot is about a female warrior in the 18th century African kingdom of Dahomey. Nanisca (Davis) was known for having an all-female army that fought against French colonizers who tried to enslave the people.
The film shows the bravery, strength, empowerment and resilience of women warriors, making it a powerful portrait of a little-known part of African history and the struggle for freedom.
Suffragette (2015)
Focusing on the struggle of women to gain the right to vote in the United Kingdom. This film follows a group of women facing gender inequality and personal challenges that put the stability of their lives at risk.
Starring Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter, Suffragette offers a powerful and moving look at repression in the fight for equal rights.
Although the film takes some creative license, it is inspired by real historical figures who courageously made a lasting impact on society.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Directed by Penny Marshall and starring Madonna, Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell and Lori Petty, A League of Their Own addresses gender inequality and the struggle of women in sports to gain acceptance and respect.
The plot, based on true events, is set during World War II when the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was trying to keep baseball active in the U.S. while many men were not home to play.
This classic film focuses on the importance of sports for female empowerment.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
The film is based on the life of environmental activist and advocate Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts), a single mother who discovers a series of legal documents related to a water contamination case in a California community.
Brockovich uses her tenacity to fight injustice, mobilizing the local population to initiate a legal battle against corporate malpractice.
Wild (2014)
Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) begins a journey of self-discovery along the Pacific Crest Trail in this moving film about healing, connection to nature, personal exploration, strength, transformation and human resilience.
Wild is based on the memoir written by Cheryl Strayed and tells the writer’s aimless story following the death of her mother from cancer. After making a series of life-threatening decisions, she wants to take a transformative turn, starting with a 1,700-kilometer solo journey on foot that moves her to confront her inner demons and, ultimately, heal.