Lois Weber 1882-1939

The first American woman director was Lois Weber (1882-1939). Starting in 1908 she directed at least 40 feature films, often writing and starring in them. An ardent supporter of Margaret Sanger and a fierce opponent of censorship, she used her films to promote her ideals and philosophies. Weber opened her own studio and headed a group of women directors by 1920. Weber became the highest-paid woman director in the world.