Faith & Spirituality
Arranged
rating:4.0.png

Arranged

2007
When Rochel (Zoe Lister Jones) and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) -- an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim, respectively -- meet as new teachers at a Brooklyn school, co-workers and students expect friction. But the women discover they have a shared expectation of entering into arranged marriages. As they experience tension between their traditional cultures and life in contemporary America, Rochel and Nasira form a special bond.

Directed by:

  • Stefan C. Schaefer
  • Diane Crespo
  • rating:4.0.png 4.0 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Iron Jawed Angels
    rating:3.9.png

    Iron Jawed Angels

    2004
    From 1912 to 1920, a group of fiery young suffragettes led by Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O'Connor) band together to wheedle the United States into adapting a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. Along the way, they incur the wrath of President Woodrow Wilson (Bob Gunton) and anger other suffragette leaders (Anjelica Huston and Lois Smith). Directed by Katja von Garnier.

    Directed by:

  • Katja von Garnier
  • rating:3.9.png 3.9 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    The Trouble with Angels
    rating:3.8.png

    The Trouble with Angels

    1966
    Two teens turn a staid convent upside down with their youthful glee and zany antics. Although the pair gets in trouble for transgressions like invading the nuns' quarters and substituting soap for sugar in the kitchen, their charm wins everyone over.

    Directed by:

  • Ida Lupino
  • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Sheffey
    rating:3.7.png

    Sheffey

    1977
    An unruly young man from an affluent family becomes a Christian convert and a tireless servant of God after attending a revival meeting with friends in this affecting drama about the life and ministry of 19th-century preacher Robert Sheffey. Sheffey traveled the sawdust trail to proclaim the Gospel throughout Appalachia, and in the process, he touched lives all across America. Katherine Stenholm directs.

    Directed by:

  • Katherine Stenholm
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    The Prince of Egypt
    rating:3.7.png

    The Prince of Egypt

    1998
    Born into slavery and cast adrift on the Nile to escape mass genocide, Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is reared as the son of Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart) and stepbrother of Ramses (Ralph Fiennes). When Moses learns of his true ancestry, he retreats to the desert, where he answers God's call and accepts his destiny: to lead the Hebrews out of slavery and into freedom. DreamWorks's animated film scored an Oscar for Best Song ("When You Believe").

    Directed by:

  • Brenda Chapman
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    50 Years War: Israel and the Arabs
    rating:3.6.png

    50 Years War: Israel and the Arabs

    1999
    Including interviews with top statesmen from both sides, this comprehensive PBS documentary traces the course of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, from the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 to the 1993 Oslo Accords and beyond. Leaders such as Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat; generals and soldiers from both camps; and even Jimmy Carter, George Bush and Bill Clinton all share their perspective on this contentious conflict.

    Directed by:

  • Norma Pery
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Heaven Ain't Hard to Find
    rating:3.6.png

    Heaven Ain't Hard to Find

    2010
    Clifton Powell, Kym Whitley, Andre Pitre and Tasha Taylor co-star in this inspiring tale about a close-knit black community that rallies to restore a crumbling Baptist church that's haunted by the spirits of three sisters. But while the friendly ghosts have hung around to ensure that the once-glorious church rises again, a greedy land developer is ready to tear it down so he can pounce on the property.

    Directed by:

  • Neema Barnette
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Be Still
    rating:3.5.png

    Be Still

    2006
    In an age in which multitasking has become second nature, the idea of being "still" almost seems luxurious. Yet achieving stillness through Christian prayer is a spiritually rewarding practice that can change your life forever. In this inspirational program narrated by actor Judge Reinhold and co-directed by his wife, Amy, noted authors, ministers and educators discuss the techniques of contemplative prayer.

    Directed by:

  • David Kirkpatrick
  • Amy Reinhold
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh
    rating:3.5.png

    Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh

    2008
    Joan Allen narrates this riveting portrait of Hungarian poet Hannah Senesh, a remarkable woman who risked her own life to parachute behind enemy lines -- enduring capture, torture and, ultimately, death -- to rescue Jews from Nazi persecution. Ahead of her time and on a mission of incredible odds, Senesh ultimately became a martyr in Israel, evoking the spirit of warrior-heroine Joan of Arc and earning the gratitude of those she saved.

    Directed by:

  • Roberta Grossman
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Yentl
    rating:3.5.png

    Yentl

    1983
    Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's story, this Oscar-winning musical stars Barbra Streisand as Yentl, the bookish daughter of a Talmud teacher who instructs her even though it's forbidden to teach the sacred text to girls. Determined to continue her schooling after her father dies, Yentl disguises herself as a boy to gain entry to a yeshiva. There, she meets the brilliant Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin), who only has eyes for Hadass (Amy Irving).

    Directed by:

  • Barbra Streisand
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Michael
    rating:3.5.png

    Michael

    1996
    Two struggling tabloid reporters and an "angel expert" are sent by their boss to check out an old kook who claims to have an angel living with her. Sure enough, the guy's got wings, but he's also into smoking, drinking and womanizing. Unconvinced that Michael (John Travolta) is not an Earthly being, the reporters take him to Chicago, when Michael's unconventional methods begin to work heavenly magic. Director Nora Ephron also wrote the script.

    Directed by:

  • Nora Ephron
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Household Saints
    rating:3.4.png

    Household Saints

    1993
    In post-World War II New York, Joseph (Vincent D'Onofrio) wins Catherine (Tracey Ullman) in a pinochle game. They marry and have a daughter, Teresa (Lili Taylor), who becomes a religious zealot as she seeks purity through prayer -- much to the consternation of Teresa's boyfriend (Michael Imperioli) and parents. Director Nancy Savoca's third film is based on Francine Prose's novel of the same name.

    Directed by:

  • Nancy Savoca
  • rating:3.4.png 3.4 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    The Preacher's Wife
    rating:3.3.png

    The Preacher's Wife

    1996
    When God overhears a church preacher (Courtney B. Vance) despairing the potential loss of a youth center, he dispatches an angel (Denzel Washington) to help him out. Trouble is, the preacher isn't easily convinced that his guardian angel is the real thing. An inspired reworking of the uplifting 1940s movie The Bishop's Wife, The Preacher's Wife stars Washington and Whitney Houston at their dazzling best.

    Directed by:

  • Penny Marshall
  • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    The Third Miracle
    rating:3.2.png

    The Third Miracle

    1999
    Deeply devout Helen O'Regan (Barbara Sukowa) is nominated for sainthood when her death causes a statue of the Virgin Mary to weep blood and cure a terminally ill girl. A skeptical priest (Ed Harris) is sent to investigate the miracles and prove that Helen was only human. But as he seeks a logical explanation in a realm supported by faith, he discovers his true purpose in life. Anne Heche co-stars.

    Directed by:

  • Agnieszka Holland
  • rating:3.2.png 3.2 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Sunday School Musical
    rating:3.2.png

    Sunday School Musical

    2008
    When financial woes threaten their church's future, a group of teens, led by one talented performer, enters a song and dance competition in hopes of winning a heavenly cash prize. Starring Candise Lakota as Savannah, this heartwarming and energetic Christian spin on the tremendously popular High School Musical franchise features 21 songs, including seven originals by composer Don Raymond. Rachel Goldenberg directs.

    Directed by:

  • Rachel Goldenberg
  • rating:3.2.png 3.2 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    The Jews: A People's History
    rating:3.1.png

    The Jews: A People's History

    2009
    Exploring 4,000 years in the history of the Jews -- from their ancient roots in the Middle East all the way to modern-day Judaism -- this exhaustivedocumentary weaves stories from the past and present to reveal a rich tapestry of Jewish identity. Seeking to represent the diversity of the Jewish people, director Nina Koshofer's ambitious film spotlights Jews both rich and poor, famed and obscure.

    Directed by:

  • Nina Koshofer
  • Sabine Klauser
  • rating:3.1.png 3.1 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Now and Then
    rating:3.8.png

    Now and Then

    1995
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
  • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


    Find On Amazon
    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
    We periodically update our movie database by adding new female directors and their movies. If you would like to receive notice of these new additions when they happen, please email us at:
    frances 'at' femaledirectors.com