DENTON (UNT), Texas — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the University of North Texas highlights women’s impact in film and empowers students to pursue their passions and careers in the field.

Women have shaped cinema since its beginnings in the late 1800s, and today, they continue to make strides in directing, screenwriting, cinematography and film programming.

“It's an incredible time for women filmmakers — not just as directors or actresses,” said UNT professor Jennifer Gómez Menjívar, director of the master’s program in Media Industries and Critical Cultural Studies. “In class, we discuss topics such as the evolution of iconic female characters like Wonder Woman, production processes and what it means for women to work in the industry across different genres.”

Her globally focused Women in Film course in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Science’s Department of Media Arts explores cinematic history, film theory and contemporary productions. These include the 2023 blockbuster “Barbie,” the animated film “Turning Red,” and the biopic “Harriet.”

She sees a resurgence of women in both mainstream and independent cinema, pointing to festivals like the Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival as key platforms for emerging talent.

“That's becoming an important distribution outlet for their work,” Gómez Menjívar said, noting the recent world premiere of "Selena y Los Dinos," directed by Isabel Castro.

Gómez Menjívar volunteers with the student organization UNT Women in Cinema where she helps coordinate programming, such as guest speakers. Established in 2019, the student organization is preparing the next generation of filmmakers of all genders by providing education, networking opportunities and the equipment needed to create their own short films.

Jayla Jackson, a UNT senior majoring in media arts, has served as president of Women in Cinema for three semesters after joining the organization in 2022. Members collaborate on short films each semester, handling every stage of production from scriptwriting to editing. Their work is showcased at the UNT Media Arts Festival, where films are reviewed by external judges.

Jackson, who also serves as president of the UNT Black Film Club, said she enjoys brainstorming with fellow Women in Cinema Members.

“Through Women in Cinema, I gained hands-on experience early on, which really helped me as I started taking more production classes,” Jackson said. “These women are so dedicated, smart and creative. I love bouncing ideas off of them.”

When they aren’t making movies, Women in Cinema members glean insights from female professionals in the field, including Marielena Resendiz, the group’s staff advisor. Resendiz co-owns the Denton-based production company Datalus Pictures and has worked as a producer and production manager.

She said the crew of Datalus Picture’s first full-length film, “Harsh Treatment,” featured women in key roles such as costume design, editing and managing lighting and rigging. The film screened at the 2024 Dallas International Film Festival.

Resendiz is also the festival director for nonprofit organization Festival de Cine Latino Americano and helps students navigate the film festival circuit.

“In this industry, success requires networking, flexibility and understanding more than just directing — you need to learn production and people management,” Resendiz said. “These are skills students learn in Women in Cinema.”