Click on the pictures to check out the best directors from each country.
Other countries will be added as we add director’s profiles of that nationality.
A Brief History of North American Cinema
The early days of North American cinema were dominated by silent films, with the first notable feature-length film being “The Birth of a Nation” by D.W. Griffith. This era also saw the rise of Charlie Chaplin, who became one of the most famous figures in the silent film industry. The introduction of sound in the late 1920s with films like “The Jazz Singer” marked a significant transition and set the stage for the Golden Age of Hollywood. This period, from the 1930s to the 1950s, was characterised by the dominance of major studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount and saw the creation of many classic films.
The 1960s and 1970s brought about a new wave of American cinema, often referred to as the “New Hollywood” or “American New Wave.” Directors like Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola broke away from traditional studio systems and explored more innovative and narrative-driven films. This era also saw the emergence of Canadian cinema, with directors like Norman Jewison and David Cronenberg gaining recognition for their unique contributions.
Technological advancements, such as CGI, and the rise of independent filmmaking have characterised the late 20th century and early 21st century. Directors like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Kathryn Bigelow have made significant impacts with their diverse and groundbreaking work. Canadian directors like James Cameron and Denis Villeneuve have also risen to international prominence, showcasing the breadth of North American talent.



