Top Black FilmMakers Working Today

1. Spike Lee

Spike Lee was born Shelton Jackson Lee on March 20, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia. At a very young age, he moved from pre-civil rights Georgia, to Brooklyn, New York. Lee came from artistic, education-grounded background; his father was a jazz musician, and his mother, a schoolteacher. He attended ...

Director/Writer - "Do the Right Thing", "Inside Man", "Jungle Fever", "Shes Gotta Have It", "Malcolm X","Mo Better Blues", "Crooklyn", "School Daze", "Clockers", "He Got Game", "Summer of Sam", "Bamboozled", "She Hate Me", "Red Hook Summer" Director Only - "When The Leeves Broke (Documentary)", "4 Little Girls (Documentary)", "25th Hour", "Inside Man", "Get on The Bus", "Miracle at St. Anna"

Major Awards ----------------------- 2 Oscar noms, 1 Emmy win/1 nom, 2 Golden Globe noms, 1 BAFTA award, 1 Independent Spirit Nom, 2 LAFCAA Wins, 1 Berlin Film Festival Win/4 noms, 2 Cannes Film Festival wins/2 noms, 3 Venice Film Festival Wins/1 nom, (Directed Danny Aiello to Supporting Actor Oscar and Golden Globe Noms) (Directed Denzel Washington to Best Actor Oscar and Golden Globe Noms)

2. Steve McQueen

Director | 12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen was born on October 9, 1969 in London, England, UK. He is a director and producer, known for 12 Years a Slave (2013), Shame (2011) and Hunger (2008). He is married to Bianca Stigter. They have two children.

Director/Writer - "Hunger", "Shame"

Major Awards -------------------------- 2 BAFTA Noms/1 Win 1 Cannes Win 2 Independent Spirit Noms 1 LAFCA Win 1 NYFCA Win 3 Venice Film Festival Wins/1 Nom 4 European Film Award Noms/1 Win

3. John Singleton

Writer | Boyz n the Hood

Son of Danny Singleton, a mortgage broker, and Sheila Ward, a pharmaceutical company sales executive, and raised in separate households by his unmarried parents, John Singleton attended the Film Writing Program at USC, after graduating from high school in 1986. While studying there, he won three ...

Director/Writer - "Boyz n Da hood", "Higher Learning", "Poetic Justice", "Shaft", "Baby Boy" Director Only - "Four Brothers", "2 Fast 2 Furious", "Rosewood", "Abduction

Major Awards ------------------------ 2 Oscar noms, 1 LAFCAA Win, 1 NYFCAA Win, 1 Berlin Film Festival nom,

4. Antoine Fuqua

Producer | The Magnificent Seven

Antoine Fuqua is an American film director, known for his work in the film Training Day as well as The Replacement Killers, Tears of the Sun, King Arthur, Shooter, Brooklyn's Finest, Olympus Has Fallen and The Equalizer.

He has directed music videos for such artists as Arrested Development, Prince, ...

Director Only - "Training Day", "Shooter", "King Arthur", "Tears of the Sun", "Brooklyn's Finest", "Olympus Has Fallen"

Major Awards ------------------------ N/A (Directed Denzel Washington to Best Actor Oscar Win and Golden Globe Nom) (Directed Ethan Hawke to Supporting Actor Oscar nom)

5. F. Gary Gray

Director | Set It Off

Felix Gary Gray is an African-American music video director, film producer and film director from New York City known for directing films such as Friday, Men in Black: International, Be Cool, The Fate of the Furious, Set It Off, The Negotiator, Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job. He ...

Director Only - "Friday", "Law Abiding Citizen", "Be Cool", The Italian Job", "A Man Apart", The Negotiator", "Set it Off"

Major Awards ------------------------ N/A

6. Allen Hughes

Director | The Book of Eli

Albert and Allen Hughes began making movies at age 12, but their formal film education began their freshman year of high school when Allen took a TV production class. They soon made a short film entitled How To Be A Burglar and people began to take notice. Their next work, Uncensored videos, was ...

Director Only - "Menace 2 Society", "Dead Presidents", "From Hell", "Book of Eli", "American Pimp (Documentary)", "Broken City"

Major Awards --------------------- 1 Independent Spirit Nom, 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom

7. Albert Hughes

Director | The Book of Eli

Albert and Allen Hughes began making movies at age 12, but their formal film education began their freshman year of high school when Allen took a TV production class. They soon made a short film entitled How To Be A Burglar and people began to take notice. Their next work, Uncensored videos, was ...

Director Only - "Menace 2 Society", "Dead Presidents", "From Hell", "Book of Eli", "American Pimp (Documentary)"

Major Awards ------------------------------ 1 Independent Spirit Nom, 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom

8. Charles Burnett

Director | Killer of Sheep

Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on April 13, 1944, Charles Burnett moved with his family to the Watts area of Los Angeles at an early age. He describes the community of having a robust mythical connection with the South as a result of having so many Southern transplants, an atmosphere which has ...

Director/Writer - "Killer of Sheep", "To Sleep with Anger, "My Brothers Wedding", "Glass Shield"

Major Awards ---------------------------- 2 Independent Spirit Noms, 1 LFCAA Win, 1 NYFCCA Win, 1 Berlin Film Festival Nom, 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom/1 Win

9. Robert Townsend

Producer | Hollywood Shuffle

Robert Townsend transcends any medium he touches whether he's performing stand up, acting, writing, directing, producing, or running a television network. A Chicago native, Townsend is often referred to as one of the "Godfathers" of the Independent Film World." With over 30 years in the business, ...

Director/Writer - "Hollywood Shuffle", "Five Heartbeats", "Meteor Man" Director Only - "Phantom Punch", "Holiday Heart", "Little Richard", "B.A.P.S.", "In The Hive"

Major Awards ------------------------ 1 Independent Spirit Nom

10. Michael Schultz

Director | Cooley High

Michael Schultz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Cooley High (1975), Car Wash (1976) and Krush Groove (1985). He has been married to Lauren Jones since December 6, 1965. They have two children.

Director Only - "The Last Dragon", "Cooley High", "Car Wash", "Woman Thou Art Loosed", "Krush Groove", "Disorderlies", "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Cannes Film Festival Nom/1 Win

11. Ernest R. Dickerson

Director | Juice

Ernest Roscoe Dickerson A.S.C., aka. Ernest R. Dickerson, is an American film director and cinematographer. As a cinematographer, he is known for his frequent collaborations with Spike Lee. As a director, he is known for films such as Juice (1992), Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995), Bones (...

Director Only - "Juice", "Bulletproof", "Our America", "Bones", "Never Die Alone", "Blind Faith", "Last Man Standing" Cinematographer - "Krush Groove", "She's Gotta Have It", "Do the right thing", "School Daze", "Malcolm X", "Mo Better Blues", "Jungle Fever",

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

12. Kasi Lemmons

Director | Harriet

Kasi Lemmons was born on February 24, 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. She is an actress and director, known for Harriet (2019), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Candyman (1992). She has been married to Vondie Curtis-Hall since August 19, 1995. They have two children.

Director/Writer - "Eve's Bayou" Director Only - "Talk to Me", "Caveman's Valentine"

Major Awards --------------------------- 1 Independent Spirit Win

13. Denzel Washington

Actor | Fences

Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at ...

Director Only - "Antwone Fisher", "The Great Debaters"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A (Directed Movie Nominated for Best Film Golden Globe)

14. Gina Prince-Bythewood

Writer | Love & Basketball

Gina Prince-Bythewood (Writer/Producer/Director) studied at UCLA Film School, where she received the Gene Reynolds Scholarship for Directing and the Ray Stark Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Undergraduate. She was a member of UCLA's track and field team, qualifying for the Pac-10 Championships...

Director/Writer - "Love & Basketball", "The Secret Life of Bees" Director Only - "Disappearing Acts"

Major Awards ------------------------ 1 Independent Spirit Nom/1 Win

15. Carl Franklin

Director | One False Move

Carl Franklin studied history and dramatic arts at UC Berkeley. After several years as a television actor with guest shots, roles in TV movies, miniseries, and appearing as a regular on a few unsuccessful series, he returned to school and received his master's degree in directing from the American ...

Director/Writer - "Devil in a Blue Dress", "Bless Me Ultima" Director Only - "Out of Time", "High Crimes", "One True Thing"

Major Awards ------------------ 1 Independent Spirit Win, 1 LAFCAA Win

16. Euzhan Palcy

Writer | Siméon

Euzhan Palcy was born in Saint-Joseph, Martinique, France. Euzhan is a writer and director, known for Siméon (1992), Sugar Cane Alley (1983) and A Dry White Season (1989).

Director/Writer - "A Dry White Season", "Sugar Cane Alley"

Major Awards ------------------------- 1 Venice Film Festival Win, (Directed Marlon Brando to Supporting Actor Oscar and Golden Globe Nom)

17. Stanley Nelson

Producer | American Experience

Stanley Nelson is among the premier documentary filmmakers working today. His feature-length films combine compelling narratives with rich and deeply researched historical detail, shining new light on both familiar and under-explored aspects of the American past.

In addition to honors for his ...

Director/Writer - "Freedom Riders (Documentary)", A Place of Our Own (Documentary), "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords (Documentary)" Director Only - "Jonestown (Documentary)", "Wounded Knee (Documentary), "Marcus Garvey: Look For Me in the Whirlwind (Documentary)", ""The Murder of Emmet Till (Documentary)

Major Awards ------------------------- 3 Emmy Wins/1 Nom, 2 Sundance Film Festival Wins/5 Noms

18. Lee Daniels

Producer | Precious

Lee Daniels gave his parents an early Christmas present when he entered the world on December 24, 1959; unfortunately, the Philadelphia native was to have a difficult relationship with his police officer father who later reacted violently to his son's sexuality. Despite the brutality of his ...

Director/Writer - "The Paperboy" Director Only - "Precious", "Shadowboxer"

Major Awards ----------------------- 2 Oscar Noms 1 BAFTA Nom 1 DGA Nom 1 Cannes Film Festival Nom 2 Independent Spirit Wins/1 Nom 2 Sundance Film Festival Wins (Directed Monique to Supporting Actress Oscar and Golden Globe Wins) (Directed Gabourey Sidibe to Lead Actress Oscar and Golden Globe Noms)

19. Tim Story

Director | Fantastic Four

Timothy Kevin Story was born on March 13, 1970 in Los Angeles, California. Attended Westchester High School in Los Angeles, California with jazz pianist Eric Reed and actresses Regina King and Nia Long. Graduated from USC film school.

Director/Writer - "One of Us Tripped", "Barbershop", "Taxi", "Fantastic Four", "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", "Hurricane Season", "Think Like a Man" Director Only - "The Firing Squad"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

20. Dee Rees

Director | Mudbound

Writer/Director Dee Rees is an alumna of New York University's graduate film program and a Sundance Screenwriting & Directing Lab Fellow.

In 2018, Dee became the first Black woman nominated for an Oscar in the Best Adapted Screenplay category for her highly-acclaimed film Mudbound (2017). The film, ...

Director/Writer - "Pariah"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Independent Spirit Win, 2 Sundance Film Festival Nom

21. Darnell Martin

Director | I Like It Like That

Darnell Martin was born on January 7, 1964 in Bronx, New York, USA. She is a director and writer, known for I Like It Like That (1994), Cadillac Records (2008) and Do the Right Thing (1989). She is married to Giuseppe Ducrot.

Director/Writer - "Cadillac Records", "I Like It Like That", "Prison Song" Director Only - "Their Eyes Were Watching God", "Firelight", "The Lost Valentine"

Major Awards ------------------------- 1 Independent Spirit Nom 1 NYFCCA Win 1 DGA Nom

22. Peter Ramsey

Director | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Peter Ramsey is the director of Dreamworks Animation's 2012 feature film "Rise Of The Guardians". He also directed the Halloween TV special, "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space" as well as serving as a story artist on several of Dreamworks Animation's feature films. Prior to ...

Director Only - "Rise of the Guardians (Animated Film)"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Golden Globe Nom 1 Annie Award Nom (Movie received 10 Nominations overall)

23. Rick Famuyiwa

Producer | Dope

Rick Famuyiwa was born on June 18, 1973 in the USA. He is a producer and director, known for Dope (2015), The Mandalorian (2019) and The Chi (2018). He has been married to Gienita Mosley since 1999.

Director/Writer - "Brown Sugar", "The Wood", "Our Family Wedding" Writer Only - Talk to Me

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

24. Ava DuVernay

Writer | Queen Sugar

A director, producer, writer, marketer and film distributor, Ava DuVernay made her feature film debut with the documentary This is the Life (2008), a history on hip hop movement that flourished in Los Angeles in the 1990's. This was followed by series of television music documentaries which ...

Director/Writer - "Middle of Nowhere", "I Will Follow"

Major Awards ------------------------ 1 Sundance Film Festival Win/1 Nom 1 Independent Spirit Nom

25. Forest Whitaker

Actor | The Last King of Scotland

Forest Steven Whitaker has packaged a king-size talent into his hulking 6' 2", 220 lb. frame. He won an Academy Award for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland (2006), and has also won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. He is the fourth African-American male to...

Director Only - "Waiting to Exhale", "Hope Floats"

Major Awards ------------------------ N/A

26. George C. Wolfe

Director | Rustin

George Wolfe was raised in the state capital of Kentucky, Frankfort. As a member of the Frankfort High School Senior class of 1972, he was one of the leading lights of the drama club and a writer for the literary magazine. George left Frankfort in 1972, but returned many years later as a favored ...

Director Only = "Lackawanna Blues", "Nights in Rodanthe"

Major Awards --------------------------- 1 independent Spirit Nom 1 DGA Nom

27. Mario Van Peebles

Actor | How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass

Mario Van Peebles is a highly regarded director, actor, producer and writer. His directorial skills can be seen in the retelling of the epic mini-series "Roots" starring Forest Whitaker and Matthew Goode. Van Peebles has directed award-winning shows such as the recent hit "Empire" and "The Last ...

Director/Writer - "Baadassss", Director Only - "Redemption Road", "All Things Fall Apart", "We The Party"

Major Awards --------------------------- 3 Independent Spirit Noms

28. Bill Duke

Actor | Predator

Duke Media Entertainment, led by actor, director, producer, writer and humanitarian, Bill Duke, is dedicated to bringing quality Edutainment to audiences around the globe. Formerly Yagya Productions, Duke Media has successfully produced critically acclaimed film and television content for more than...

Director Only - "A Rage in Harlem", "Deep Cover", "The Cemetary Club", "Sister Act 2", "Hoodlum", "Cover", "Not Easily Broken", "Deacons for Defense", "America's Dream", "Johnnie Mae Gibson"

Major Awards --------------------------- 1 Cannes Nom

29. Paris Barclay

Producer | NYPD Blue

A preeminent force in television entertainment, Paris Barclay has directed nearly 200 episodes of television and was active as a Director/Producer for series including: Station 19, Pitch, Sons of Anarchy, In Treatment, Cold Case, City of Angels and NYPD Blue. He also has directed episodes of a wide...

Director Only - "Don't Be a Menace", "America's Dream", "The Cherokee Kid", "The Chang Family Saves The World", "The Big Time", "Dead Lawyers", "Big Mike"

Director/Writer - "Hate"

Writer Only - "Pedro"

Major Awards ------------------------- 1 WGA Nom

30. Charles S. Dutton

Actor | Gothika

Charles S. Dutton was born on January 30, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Gothika (2003), Alien 3 (1992) and A Time to Kill (1996). He was previously married to Debbi Morgan.

Director/Writer - "The Obama Effect", Director Only - "First Time Felon", "Against The Ropes", "Under", "Racing For Time"

Major Awards --------------------------- N/A

31. Scott Sanders

Writer | Black Dynamite

Scott Sanders is known for Black Dynamite (2009), Thick as Thieves (1999) and Black Dynamite (2011).

Director/Writer - "Black Dynamite", "Thick As Thieves"

Major Awards ------------------------ N/A

32. Maya Angelou

Actress | Poetic Justice

Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more ...

Director Only - "Down in the Delta"

Major Awards -------------------- N/A

33. Malcolm D. Lee

Director | Girls Trip

Malcolm D. Lee was born on January 11, 1970 in the USA. He is a writer and director, known for Girls Trip (2017), The Best Man (1999) and The Best Man: The Final Chapters (2022). He has been married to Camilla Banks since 2000. They have three children.

Director/Writer - "The Best Man", "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" Director Only - "Undercover Brother", "Roll Bounce", "Soul Men", "Scary Movie 5"

Major Awards ----------------------------- N/A

34. Kevin Hooks

Actor | Innerspace

Kevin Hooks was born on September 19, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Innerspace (1987), Last Resort (2012) and Passenger 57 (1992). He is married to Cheryl. They have two children. He was previously married to Regina Hooks.

Director Only - "Strictly Business", "Passenger 57", "Fled", "The Color of Friendship", "Black Dog"

Major Awards ---------------------- 1 Emmy Win

35. Thomas Carter

Director | Coach Carter

Thomas Carter was born on July 17, 1953 in Austin, Texas, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Coach Carter (2005), Equal Justice (1990) and Save the Last Dance (2001).

Director Only - "Coach Carter", "Save the Last Dance", "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story", "Don King: Only In America"

Major Awards ---------------------- 1 DGA Nomination 1 Emmy Nomination

36. Charles Stone III

Director | Drumline

Charles Stone III was born in 1966. He is known for Drumline (2002), Paid in Full (2002) and Mr. 3000 (2004).

Director Only - "Drumline", "Paid In Full", "Mr. 3000"

Major Awards ------------------------ 1 Independent Spirit Nom

37. Ice Cube

Soundtrack | Friday

Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. He first came to public notice as a singer and songwriter with the controversial and influential band N.W.A. His compositions with that group included many ...

Director/Writer - "The Players Club" Writer Only - "'Friday' Movies", "All About The Benjamins"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

38. Julie Dash

Director | Reasonable Doubt

Thirty-one years ago, filmmaker Julie Dash broke racial and gender boundaries with her Sundance award-winning film (Best Cinematography) Daughters of the Dust. She became the first African American woman to have a wide theatrical release of her feature film. The Library of Congress placed Daughters...

Director/Writer - "SUBWAYStories", "Daughters of the Dust" Director Only - "The Rosa Parks Story"

Major Awards ------------------------ 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom 1 DGA Nom

39. Cheryl Dunye

Director | The Watermelon Woman

Cheryl Dunye was born on May 13, 1966 in Liberia. She is a director and producer, known for The Watermelon Woman (1996), The Owls (2010) and Mommy Is Coming (2012).

Director/Writer - "Stranger Inside", "Watermelon Woman" Director Only - "My Baby's Daddy"

Major Awards ----------------------- 1 Independent Spirit Nom 1 Berlin Film Festival Nom

40. Tanya Hamilton

Director | Night Catches Us

Tanya Hamilton is known for Night Catches Us (2010), The Chi (2018) and Queen Sugar (2016).

Director/Writer - "Night Catches Us"

Major Awards --------------------------- 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom 1 Berlin Film Festival Win

41. Rashaad Ernesto Green

Director | Premature

Rashaad Ernesto Green was born on August 19, 1978 in Bronx, New York, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Premature (2019), Gun Hill Road (2011) and Premature (2008). He was previously married to Maryse Tricia Karunaratne.

Director/Writer - "Gun Hill Road"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Sundance Film Festival Nom

42. Leslie Harris

Producer | Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.

Leslie Harris is known for Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. (1992), Bessie Coleman's Dream to Fly (1993) and New York Conversations (2010).

Director/Writer - "Just Another Girl on the I.R.T."

Major Awards ---------------------- 1 Sundance Film Festival Win/1 Nom

43. Hype Williams

Director | Belly

Hype Williams was born in July 1970 in Queens, New York, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Belly (1998), Coldplay: Viva La Vida (2008) and Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys: Empire State of Mind (2009).

Director/Writer - "Belly"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

44. Tyler Perry

Writer | Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Perry was born and raised in New Orleans, to Willie Maxine (Campbell) and Emmitt Perry, Sr. His mother was a church-goer and took Perry along with her once a week. His father was a carpenter and they had a very strained and abusive relationship, which led Perry to suffer from depression as a ...

Director/Writer "Madea Movies", "For Colored Girls", "Why Did I Get Married", "Good Deeds", "Temptation"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

45. Salim Akil

Producer | Black Lightning

Salim and Mara Brock Akil acquired a multi-year development deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment, slated to begin in 2016.

Salim is a native of Oakland, California. He wrote and co-produced the film Drylongso (1999) which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival. Salim ...

Director Only - "Sparkle", "Jumping the Broom"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

46. Millicent Shelton

Director | 30 Rock

Millicent Shelton was born on January 29, 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. She is a director and writer, known for 30 Rock (2006), The Night Agent (2023) and Titans (2018). She has been married to Donald Samuel since June 10, 1995. They have two children.

Director/Writer - "Ride"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

47. Anthony Hemingway

Director | Red Tails

Anthony Hemingway is known for Red Tails (2012), Underground (2016) and American Crime Story (2016).

Director Only - "Red Tails"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

48. Troy Byer

Writer | Love Don't Cost a Thing

Dr. Troy is a mental health care expert and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology. She specializes in stress reduction, anger management and organic, emotion regulation. Dr. Troy is a best-selling published author and she is the founder of MindologyFitness an organization that offers fun, ...

Director/Writer "Let's Talk About Sex", "Love Don't Cost a Thing"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

49. Neema Barnette

Director | Harlem

Director and producer Neema Barnette has engaged audiences with a body of socially compelling and politically charged work that defies the narrow stereotypes of African-Americans usually depicted in entertainment. Working in both television and film, Barnette has earned the respect of peers and ...

Director Only "Civil Brand", "Better Off Dead"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

50. Bridgett M. Davis

Writer | Naked Acts

She took a screenwriting course in 1991 out of curiosity and soon found herself immersed in filmmaking. She graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1982. She is an Associate Professor of English at City University of New York's Baruch College where she teaches TV and Film Writing, ...

Director/Writer - "Naked Acts"

Major Awards ------------------------- N/A

51. Angela Robinson

Writer | D.E.B.S.

Angela Robinson was born on February 14, 1971 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She is a producer and writer, known for D.E.B.S. (2004), Professor Marston & the Wonder Women (2017) and D.E.B.S. (2003). She is married to Alexandra Kondracke. They have one child.

Director/Writer - "D.E.B.S.", "GirlTrash" Director Only - "Herbie: Fully Loaded"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A

52. David 'Tosh' Gitonga

Director | Nairobi Half Life

David 'Tosh' Gitonga is known for Nairobi Half Life (2012), Disconnect (2018) and Volume (2023).

Director Only - "Nairobi Half Life"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A ("Nairobi Half Life" chosen as Kenya's submission in 2012 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was Kenya's first ever submission.)

53. Rasselas Lakew

Director | Atletu

Rasselas Lakew was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is known for Atletu (2009).

Director Only - "Atletu (The Athlete)"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A ("Atletu" chosen as Ethiopia's submission in 2011 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was Ethiopia's first ever submission.)

54. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun

Director | Daratt

Mahamat-Saleh Haroun was born in 1961 in Abéché, Chad. He is a director and writer, known for Dry Season (2006), A Screaming Man (2010) and Our Father (2002).

Director Only - "Bye Bye Africa", "Abouna", "Daratt", "Sexe, gombo et beurre salé", "A Screaming Man"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Cannes Win/1 Nom 7 Venice Wins/2 Noms ("Abouna" chosen as Chad's submission in 2003 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was Chad's first ever submission.)

55. Martin Mhando

Producer | Maangamizi: The Ancient One

Martin Mhando is known for Maangamizi: The Ancient One (2001), Safari ya Gwalu (2015) and Mama Tumaini (1986).

Director Only - "Mama Tumaini", "Maangamizi: The Ancient One", "Liyarn Ngarn (documentary)"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A ("Maangamizi" chosen as Tanzania's submission in 2002 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was Tanzania's first and only ever submission.)

56. Zeka Laplaine

Director | Macadam tribu

Born in Ilebo in 1960, Portuguese of Congolese origin. After studying business management in Rome, Zéka Laplaine chose to become a comedian. During one year of training, he works in theater and writes his first scripts. Back in Rome, he worked as an assistant director with Roger Vadim in Safari. In...

Director/Writer - "Macadam Tribu", "Paris: XY", "The Garden", "Kinshasa Palace"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A ("Macadam Tribu" chosen as the Congo's submission in 1998 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was the Congo's first and only ever submission.)

57. Idrissa Ouedraogo

Director | Yaaba

Idrissa Ouedraogo was born on January 21, 1954 in Banfora, Upper Volta [now Burkina Faso]. He was a director and writer, known for Yaaba (1989), The Law (1990) and Samba Traoré (1992). He died on February 18, 2018 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Director/Writer - "Yam Daabo (The Choice)", "Yaaba (Grandmother)", "Tilai (The Law)", "Samba Traore", "The Heart's Cry", "Kini and Adams", "Anger of the Gods", "Kato Kato"

Major Awards -------------------------- 1 Berlin Film Festival Win/1 Nom 2 Cannes Film Festival Wins/2 Noms 2 Venice Film Festival Wins/1 Nom ("Yaaba" chosen as Burkina's submission in 1990 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was the Burkina's first and only ever submission.)

58. Daniel Kamwa

Actor | Notre fille

Daniel Kamwa was born on April 14, 1943 in Nkongsamba, Cameroon. He is an actor and director, known for Notre fille (1980), Turbulences and Mah Sa-Sah (2008).

Director/Writer - "Pousse-Pousse", "Notre Fille (Our Daughter)", "Totor", "Circle of Powers", "Mah Sa-Sah"

Major Awards -------------------------- N/A ("Notre Fille" chosen as Cameroon's submission in 1981 for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. This was Cameroon's first and only ever submission.)