Euzhan Palcy

Euzhan Palcy is a trailblazing filmmaker and director from the French West Indies. She is the first Black woman to have a film produced by a major Hollywood studio (MGM) -- the powerful anti-apartheid drama "A Dry White Season" -- as well as the only woman filmmaker to have ever directed Marlon Brando, whom she brought back to the screen after a nine year absence. The film earned Brando an Academy Award nomination and brought global attention to Palcy's exceptional storytelling, which focuses on themes of social justice, race, and resistance against oppression.

Born in Martinique, Palcy grew up studying the films of Fritz Lang, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder and Orson Welles. She left for Paris in 1975 to earn a master's degree in French Literature, in theater at the Sorbonne, a D.E.A. in Art and Archeology and a film degree (specializing in cinematography) from renowned Louis Lumière College.

It was in Paris, with the encouragement of her "French Godfather," François Truffaut, that she was able to put together her first feature, "Sugar Cane Alley" in 1983. Shot for less than $1 million, it documents the love and sacrifice of a poor black family living on a Martinique sugar cane plantation in the 1930s through the eyes of a young boy. "Sugar Cane Alley" was widely acclaimed, winning over 17 international awards, including the Venice Film Festival's Silver Lion, and the prestigious César Award for Best First Film, making her the first Black filmmaker to receive the honor. After seeing Palcy's work, Robert Redford handpicked her to attend the 1984 Sundance Director's Lab at the Sundance Institute, becoming her "American Godfather."

Beyond cinema, Palcy has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the film industry and a mentor to emerging filmmakers of color. In addition to her feature films, she has directed documentaries and TV projects, always bringing a unique blend of historical perspective and emotional depth to her storytelling. Through her commitment to highlighting global injustices and her dedication to authentic representation, Palcy has broken barriers and reshaped the landscape of international filmmaking.

Throughout her career, Palcy has received numerous accolades, including France’s Legion of Honor in 2021 and in 2022, an honorary Oscar by the Board of Governors for her contributions to cinema.