Black Women Directors is a digital library that celebrates the work of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers from across the African Diaspora. This evolving archive exists to honor their contributions, amplify their voices, and increase their visibility in an industry that has long overlooked them.
About The Founder
Danielle A. Scruggs is a visual editor, writer, and curator based in Chicago. Wanting to learn more about Black women’s contributions to the film canon, she founded Black Women Directors in 2015 to highlight and archive the work of Black women and non-binary filmmakers worldwide.
With over 15 years of experience in photojournalism, fine arts, and film programming, she has collaborated with The Wall Street Journal, Getty Images, ESPN, and numerous other prominent organizations. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, The Cut, Teen Vogue, RogerEbert.com, and other outlets.
Danielle co-founded the Chicago Film Symposium and organizes independent film screenings. Through BWD, she is building a sustainable platform that preserves film history and nurtures new creative work across the African Diaspora.
Photo by Alina Tsvor
“Black Women Directors is for me, first and foremost, a beacon. It is the signal fire that says, This can be done, this has been done, this will be done, by women just like you. It is a light in the darkness to community and lineage, celebration and inspiration...No matter how lonely the road or adrift we may feel, Black Women Directors is the clarion call reminding us that, seen and unseen, celebrated or unsung, our work matters.
”
Is Black Women Directors an agency or production company?
Nope! Black Women Directors is a curated reference archive and visibility platform—not an agency, talent management company, or production studio. While I love highlighting the work of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers, I don’t facilitate hiring, representation, or project development. If you’re seeking collaborators, I encourage you to reach out to filmmakers directly via the contact info listed on each of their pages or explore platforms like Brown Girls Doc Mafia.
I don’t see my favorite director on the site! Where are they?
Black Women Directors, which began as a Tumblr in 2015, is not intended to be a definitive, exhaustive list. I have always viewed this platform as an ongoing, ever-growing archive of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers and their work. So, if you don't see your favorite director, fear not! They will be added; keep checking back.
I should also note that at the moment, Black Women Directors is run by a staff of one, so while the additions may not be instantaneous, they are always coming!
What about gender identity?
“Women” means cis & trans women. Nonbinary and gender-nonconforming folks are also included. This is an inclusive space!
I am a Black woman/nonbinary filmmaker who wants to be added to the site. What should I do?
Excellent! Please fill out this handy form!
I have an opportunity and I want to hire a Black woman director. How do I contact them?
Shout-out to you for expanding your hiring practices! As much as possible, I include contact information for the directors listed on this site—namely, their websites and social media handles — so that people can contact them directly for this very reason.
I’m an aspiring filmmaker/playwright/screenwriter and I’d love mentorship or guidance. Can you help?
I deeply appreciate messages like these, and it means the world that the archive is resonating with you. Currently, BWD doesn’t offer formal mentorship. However, I’m working on building future opportunities that can better support emerging creatives. In the meantime, feel free to stay connected via the newsletter, where I share updates, resources, and opportunities as they arise.
A monthly dispatch of curated film recs, archive highlights, and cultural commentary.