Published: May 1, 2023 | Last Updated: September 16, 2024
If you’re a budding filmmaker or director who thinks you might have missed the boat because you didn’t land that big blockbuster deal right out of film school, fear not. There’s still hope!
In this article, I look at 12 famous filmmakers who directed their debut feature at a late age. They were all over 30 before they had their directorial debut.
Most had some film production experience before they moved to direct their first feature. Many have created short films and music videos, worked as screenwriters, and production designers, or had other roles in motion pictures.
1. Alejandro G. Inarritu, 37
By Limbo.asistente – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90163858
Alejandro G. Inarritu is a Mexican film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was born on August 15, 1963, in Mexico City, Mexico. He began his career as a radio host before transitioning to film in the 1990s. At 37, he directed his debut feature film, Amores Perros (2000).
Inarritu’s films often explore themes of love, death, and human suffering and are known for their non-linear storytelling.
He has won numerous awards for his work, including four Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for his films Birdman (2014) and The Revenant (2015).
2. Ang Lee, 38
By The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers from White Plains, NY, USA – 2016 NAB Show’s The Future of Cinema Conference, produced in partnership with SMPTE, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69866796
Ang Lee is a Taiwanese-American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has directed diverse films, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi (2012), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Hulk (2003), Gemini Man (2019), and Lust, Caution (2007).
He made his directional debut with the movie Pushing Hands (1991) about Tai Chi martial arts at 38.
Lee is known for his ability to blend different genres and styles seamlessly. His films often explore themes of identity, family, and cultural clashes. He has won numerous awards for his work, including two Academy Awards for Best Director, a Golden Globe Award for Best Director, and a BAFTA Award for Best Direction.
You might also enjoy Can A Screenwriter Be A Director? The Pros And Cons Of Being A Writer-Director.
3. David F. Sandberg, 35
By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77817070
David F. Sandberg is a Swedish filmmaker known for his work in the horror genre. He gained recognition for his 2013 short film Lights Out, which went viral and was later turned into a feature-length film.
Read more on how short films can benefit your career financially.
When he was 35, Lights Out became his feature film debut. Since then, he has directed several other horror movies in the United States, including Annabelle: Creation (2017), Shazam! (2019), and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023).
Sandberg is known for his use of practical effects and inventive storytelling techniques. He often collaborates with his wife, actress Lotta Losten, who frequently appears in his films.
4. Gus Van Sant, 33
By Harald Krichel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68061115
Gus Van Sant is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work on independent films such as Drugstore Cowboy (1989), My Own Private Idaho (1991), and Good Will Hunting (1997).
He was born on July 24, 1952, in Louisville, Kentucky, and grew up in Oregon. Van Sant attended the Rhode Island School of Design and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Van Sant made his directional debut at 33 with the movie Mala Noche (1985). He gained critical acclaim in the 1990s for his work on films that dealt with alienation, addiction, and identity themes.
In addition to his film work, Van Sant has directed music videos and commercials. He continues to be a prominent figure in independent cinema.
You might like Essential Masterclasses For Filmmakers and Directors Online.
5. Maurice Pialat, 44
Maurice Pialat (1925-2003) was a French film director, screenwriter, and actor. He is known for his realistic and raw portrayals of human relationships and emotions in his films.
Pialat began his painting career before transitioning to filmmaking in the 1960s. He was a late bloomer in the movie industry and made his directional debut at 44 with his 1969 movie The Naked Childhood. The film, co-produced by French New Wave director François Truffaut, won the Prix Jean Vigo.
His films often explore complex family dynamics and the struggles of ordinary people. Some of his notable works include Loulou (1980), À nos amours (1983), and Under the Sun of Satan (1987), which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Pialat’s films have been praised for their honesty and authenticity, and he is considered one of the most important figures in French cinema of the late 20th century.
8. Ridley Scott, 39
By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18761790
Ridley Scott is a British film director, producer, and writer. He was born on November 30, 1937, in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England. Scott started his career in advertising before transitioning to directing commercials and music videos. He debuted at 39 with the feature film with the British period drama movie The Duellists in 1977, winning the Best Debut Film award at the Cannes Film Festival.
He gained widespread recognition for directing the science fiction classic Alien in 1979, followed by the neo-noir thriller Blade Runner in 1982. Other notable films in his career include Thelma & Louise (1991), Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), The Martian (2015), and All the Money in the World (2017).
Scott has been nominated for numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Director. In 1995, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship and a knighthood in 2003 for his contributions to the film industry.
9. Steve McQueen, 38
By Aprillamb, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steve Rodney McQueen is a British filmmaker known for critically acclaimed movies, such as 12 Years a Slave, Shame, and Widows. His work is known for its raw and uncompromising portrayal of personal struggle, social injustice, and human suffering.
He was born on October 9, 1969, in London, England. McQueen started his career as a visual artist, creating innovative video installations and experimental short films. He made his feature film debut at 38 in 2008 with Hunger, which won the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
10. Susanne Bier, 31
By Les Kaner, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Susanne Bier is a Danish film director and screenwriter. She was born on April 15, 1960, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is best known for her work in the Danish film industry but has also had success directing films in the United States. Bier made her feature film directional debut with Freud’s Leaving Home (1991) at 31.
Bier has won numerous awards for her work, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for her 2010 film In a Better World. Some of her other notable films include Brothers (2004), After the Wedding (2006), and A Second Chance (2014). Bier is known for her emotional and character-driven storytelling, often exploring grief, loss, and redemption themes.
11. Akira Kurosawa, 33
Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and producer widely regarded as one of cinema’s most influential and important filmmakers. He directed over 30 films, including some of the most acclaimed and influential works in Japanese and world cinema, such as Seven Samurai (1954), Rashomon (1950), Yojimbo (1961), and Throne of Blood (1957). His directional debut was Sanshiro Sugata (1943) at 33.
Kurosawa’s films often explored themes of loyalty, honor, and the human condition. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of camera techniques, and ability to tell compelling stories.
He was also influential in introducing Japanese cinema to the West, and his films impacted many directors worldwide, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese. Kurosawa won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards and the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion award. He passed away in 1998 at 88, but his legacy inspires and influences filmmakers today.
11. Takeo Kimura, 90
By: Nazki_rhetorica – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9830453
Takeo Kimura (1918-2010) was a Japanese movie director and art director. He started his career in the film industry in the 1950s as an assistant art director for Daiei Studios.
He made his directional debut at age 90 with the feature film Dreaming Awake (2008). Despite his late start as a director, Kimura received critical acclaim for his debut film, which was praised for its beautiful cinematography and poetic storytelling.
Throughout his career, Kimura worked as an art director on over 200 films, including classics such as Tokyo Drifter (1966) and Zigeunerweisen (1980). He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create immersive and realistic sets for the films he worked on.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Kimura was also a successful painter and illustrator. His artwork was exhibited in galleries both in Japan and abroad. He passed away in 2010 at 91, leaving a legacy as a talented and versatile artist.
12. Terry George, 44
Terry George is a Northern Irish film director, screenwriter, and producer. He was born on December 20, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He made his directional debut with Some Mother’s Son (1996) at 44.
George has directed several critically acclaimed films, including Hotel Rwanda (2004), and The Promise (2016). He has also written and produced many films, including The Boxer (1997), Hart’s War (2002), and Reservation Road (2007).
George has been nominated for several awards, including the Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Awards. He is known for his socially conscious films, which often deal with political and human rights issues.
12. Charlie Chaplin, 32
By Keystone Studios – DVD screenshot, Public Domain.
Charlie Chaplin was a British actor, comedian, and filmmaker who gained worldwide fame and recognition for his slapstick comedy performances during the silent film era. He was born on April 16, 1889, in London, England, and began his career in the entertainment industry as a child actor. He later joined a theatre company and began performing in vaudeville shows, where he developed his signature character, “The Tramp.”
In 1914, Chaplin debuted as an actor for Keystone Studios and quickly became popular in Hollywood. He went on to write, direct, and star in many successful silent films, including City Lights (1931), The Great Dictator (1940), and Modern Times (1936). His feature debut as a director was The Kid in 1921 at age 32.
Chaplin was also known for his political activism and social commentary in his films, which often highlighted the struggles of the working class and criticized the capitalist system. One of the best examples is his monologue at the end of “The Great Dictator” (1940), which I’ve covered here.
Chaplin’s personal life was often turbulent, with multiple marriages and controversies surrounding his political views. He was accused of being a communist sympathizer during the height of the Red Scare in the 1950s and eventually left the United States for good.
Despite the controversies, Charlie Chaplin remains iconic in film history and is regarded as one of the greatest comedians ever. He died on December 25, 1977, in Switzerland, at 88.
Summing Up
So there you go! Those were twelve movie directors who were all over 30 before they directed their first feature-length movie with a theatrical release.
Their stories remind us that it’s never too late to start something new, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem.
Below is a table with information on the theatrical feature debuts of many famous directors.
Read Next: See tips and tricks on how to be a good director.
Table with the directional debut of filmmakers who started late
| Director (Birth Year) | Best Known for | Theatrical Feature Film Debut (year) | Age at Debut | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alejandro G. Inarritu (1963) | 21 Grams (2003), Babel (2006), Birdman (2014), The Revenant (2015) | Amores Perros (2000) | 37 | Mexican |
| Alfred Hitchcock (1899) | Psycho (1960), Rear Window (1954), The Birds (1963) | The Pleasure Garden (1925) | 29 | British |
| Andrea Arnold (1961) | Wasph (2005) – short film, Red Road (2006), Fish Tank (2009), American Honey (2016) | Red Road (2006) | 45 | British |
| Ang Lee (1954) | Sense and Sensibility (1995), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Hulk (2003), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Life of Pi (2012) | Pushing Hands (1991) | 38 | Taiwan |
| Ava DuVernay (1972) | Selma (2014), 13th (2016), A Wrinkle in Time (2018) | I Will Follow (2010) | 38 | American |
| Brian De Palma (1940) | Scarface (1983), The Untouchables (1987), Mission: Impossible (1996) | Murder a la Mod (1968) | 27 | American |
| Charlie Chaplin (1889) | The Great Dictator (1940), City Lights (1931), Modern Times (1936) | The Kid (1921) | 32 | British |
| Claire Denis (1946) | Beau Travail (1999), Trouble Every Day (2001), White Material (2009) | Chocolat (1988) | 42 | French |
| David Mamet (1947) | The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981) & The Untouchables (1987) as a writer, The Spanish Prisoner (1997) & Heist (2001) as a director | House of Games (1987) | 40 | American |
| David F. Sandberg (1981) | Lights Out (2016), Annabelle: Creation (2017), Shazam! (2019), Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023). | Lights Out (2016) | 35 | Swedish |
| Éric Rohmer (1920) | My Night at Maud’s (1969), Claire´s Knee (1971), The Green Ray (1986) | The Sign of Leo (1962) | 42 | French |
| Francis Ford Coppola (1939) | The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part II (1974), Apocalypse Now (1979) | Dementia 13 (1963) | 28 | American |
| George Lucas (1944) | Star Wars (1977), American Graffiti (1973), THX 1138 (1971) | THX 1138 (1971) | 27 | American |
| Georges Méliès (1861) | A Trip to the Moon (1902), The Impossible Voyage (1904), The Blue Bird (1908) | Playing Cards (1896) | 35 | French |
| Gus Van Sant (1952) | Good Will Hunting (1997), Milk (2008), Drugstore Cowboy (1989) | Mala Noche (1985) | 33 | American |
| Jacques Tati (1907) | The Big Day (1949), Play Time (1967), The Illusionist (2010) as screenwriter | The Big Day (1949) | 42 | French |
| John Cassavetes (1929) | Faces (1968), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Opening Night (1977) | Shadows (1959) | 29 | American |
| John Ford (1894) | The Searchers (1956), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Stagecoach (1939) | Straight Shooting (1917) | 23 | American |
| Kurosawa Akira (1910) | The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981) & The Untouchables (1987) as a writer, The Spanish Prisoner (1997) & Heist (2001) as a director. | Sanshiro Sugata (1943) | 33 | Japanese |
| Lars Von Trier (1956) | The Idiots (1998), Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dogville (2003), Antichrist (2009), Melancholia (2011), Nymphomaniac (2013) | The Element of Crime (1984) | 28 | Danish |
| Lynn Shelton (1965) | Humpday (2009), Your Sister’s Sister (2011), Laggies (2014), Sword of Trust (2019) | We Go Way Back (2006) | 40 | American |
| Martin Scorsese (1942) | The Departed (2006), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) | Who’s That Knocking at My Door? (1967) | 25 | American |
| Maurice Pialat | Loulou (1980), Under the Sun of Satan (1987), Van Gogh (1991) | The Naked Childhood (1969) | 44 | French |
| Melvin Van Peebles (1932) | Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971), Watermelon Man (1970), A Power Stronger Than Itself: The AACM Story (2008) | The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968) | 37 | American |
| Michael Haneke (1942) | The Seventh Continent (1989), The White Ribbon (2009), Amour (2012) | The Seventh Continent (1989) | 47 | Austrian |
| Orson Welles (1915) | Citizen Kane (1941), Othello (1951), Touch of Evil (1958) | Citizen Kane (1941) | 26 | American |
| Peter Bogdanovich (1939) | The Last Picture Show (1971), Paper Moon (1973), What’s Up, Doc? (1972) | Targets (1968) | 29 | American |
| Quentin Tarantino (1963) | Pulp Fiction (1994), Reservoir Dogs (1992), Inglorious Basterds (2009) | Reservoir Dogs (1992) | 29 | American |
| Ridley Scott (1937) | Blade Runner (1982), Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000) | The Duellists (1977) | 41 | British |
| Spike Lee (1957) | Do the Right Thing (1989), Malcolm X (1992), BlackKkKlansman (2018) | She’s Gotta Have It (1986) | 29 | American |
| Steve McQueen (1969) | Hunger (2008), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Widows (2018) | Hunger (2008) | 39 | British |
| Steven Spielberg (1946) | Jaws (1975), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. (1982) | The Sugarland Express (1974) | 28 | American |
| Susanne Bier (1960) | The One and Only (1999), Brothers (2004), Bird Box (2018) | Freud’s Leaving Home (1991) | 31 | Danish |
| Takeo Kimura (1918) | Dreaming Awake (2008) as director, Gate of Flesh (1964) & Tokyo Drifter (1966) as art director. | Dreaming Awake (2008) | 90 | Japanese |
| Terry George (1952) | In the Name of the Father (1993) – writer, Hotel Rwanda (2004), The Shore (2011) – short film. | Some Mother’s Son (1996) | 44 | Irish |
| Thomas Vinterberg (1969) | The Celebration (1998), Submarino (2010), Another Round (2020) | The Biggest Heroes (1996) | 27 | Danish |
| Tim Burton (1958) | Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) | Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) | 27 | American |
The Duelists is not a science fiction film.
Hi Zach
Nice catch! I guess I was already thinking of his sci-fi movies, when I wrote that. You know, when you sometimes write what you think 😀
Of course, the Duallists isn’t a sci-fi movie… although that would have been a fun twist! 😀
Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Best, Jan