For International Women's Day, we want to look back and remember the female pioneers and cinematic firsts of women in the film. In an industry where women continue to be overlooked, it's important to celebrate how far we've come, but truly how far we still have to go. Only today are women's contributions to film since the late 19th century being slowly uncovered and recognised.

Taking the title as the world's first female tour-de-force in the film industry was Alice Guy-Blaché, a director, writer, producer, costume designer and film pioneer. A leader in her field during the silent era, her career began in 1894 with La Fée aux Choux (The Cabbage Fairy), the world’s first ever narrative film directed by Alice at just 23 years old. She is believed to have directed, produced and supervised over a thousand films; all before women even had the right to vote. A true pioneer in her field, not only was she one of the first female filmmakers, but one of the first filmmakers entirely.

Over in the Nordic land a couple of decades later, was Anna Hofman-Uddgren. A woman who did it all, she was an actress, film and theatre director, singer, vaudeville artist and scriptwriter. She was the hub of entertainment life in Stockholm in the early twentieth century, and produced six films between 1911 and 1912 (in addition to starring in many). Her only surviving film from behind the camera is Fadren, a family drama based on “The Father” by August Strindberg.

A hundred years later at the very beginnings of new—land, Olivia Kastebring joined new—land as our very first female director in 2014. Making award-winning documentaries and commercials which highlight humanitarian and gendered concerns, egalitarian issues are at the heart of her filmmaking. Her most recent documentrary, Alexandra, premiered at Gothenburg Film Festival at the beginning of this year, telling the story of Alexandra Charles, Sweden's Queen of the Night, who opened Sweden’s first modern night club.

Whether it's our directors, our youngest new—talent, our oldest friends or our production crew, women are at the heart of new—land. More important than that though, are the films we create. As thinkers and filmmakers, we have a platform to promote egalitarian messages which can spark real change in the world; from raising awareness on period poverty and the women-led revolution in Iran, to seeking equal opportunities in sports with Nike or highlighting the struggles with post natal depression for NSPCC.

Similar to the pioneers who came before us, bringing about change with filmmaking is at the very core of why we do what we do.

If you'd like to find out more about the mission of IWD or if you wish to donate, please visit IWD's official site to find out more.