Kasi Lemmons
Notable Works: Black Nativity (2013), Eve’s Bayou (1997), Talk to Me (2007)
Impact: She has been an actress and director working in the industry since the 1990s. She has only directed five titles to date, but her film Eve’s Bayou helped launch the career of actress Jurnee Smollett. Her films have won awards on the independent film circuit.
Sanaa Hamri
Notable Works: Elementary (2013-present), Shameless (2011-present)
Impact: Hamri is a native of Morocco who has created an impressive career as a TV and film director. She has directed the hit films Just Wright (2010), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008) and Something New (2006).