Zeinabu irene Davis, a filmmaker who has been with Women Make Movies since the 1990s, is a storyteller, educator, and trailblazer who has spent her career championing narratives that are often overlooked. And we are starting off 2025 by celebrating her as our January WMM filmmaker of the month! With a voice as unique as it is powerful, Davis has carved out a space in cinema where African American women’s stories take center stage. A professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego, she has also continued to make films, and her work, spanning decades, is a testament to the power of representation and the impact of authentic storytelling. Davis is known as one of the graduates and filmmakers of the L.A. Rebellion, a movement that refers to the first African-American students who studied film at UCLA and who collectively sought to put an end to the prejudices of Hollywood by creating experimental and unconventional films.
In December 2024, Davis’s groundbreaking film COMPENSATION earned a spot in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress—a profound honor that cements its legacy in American cinema. Released in 1999 and distributed by Women Make Movies until its 2023 restoration and re-release by The Criterion Collection/Janus, COMPENSATION is an unforgettable exploration of love and connection across two centuries. Through poetic intertitles, the use of American Sign Language, and dual narratives, the film amplifies the voices of Black deaf individuals while challenging traditional cinematic norms. This recognition celebrates Davis’s artistry and ensures that her work will continue to inspire future generations.
Davis’s storytelling journey is rich and varied. Her film CYCLES (1989) joyfully explores anticipation and womanhood through a vibrant blend of animation, live action, and African diaspora music. A POWERFUL THANG (1991) captures the complexities of love and identity with tenderness, while MOTHER OF THE RIVER (1995) tells the poignant tale of a young enslaved girl finding strength and independence through an unlikely friendship.
As a teacher, mentor, and academic, Davis has also made an indelible mark. Prior to her faculty position at UC San Diego, she taught at many colleges, including Antioch College and Northwestern University. Her dedication to empowering others mirrors the impact of her films—encouraging storytelling that is honest, bold, and transformative, and we are so grateful and proud to have her in the WMM family!
Watch the great short video featuring Zeinabu by the William Male Foundation, a supporter of her recent film Pandemic Bread.
