Celine Sciamma Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Céline Sciamma is a French filmmaker whose work has quietly but powerfully reshaped contemporary cinema’s approach to gender, identity, and adolescence. Born in 1978, she studied at La Fémis, one of France’s most prestigious film schools, where she began developing her distinctive voice. Early on, Sciamma showed an interest in stories about young people navigating the complexities of growing up, particularly through the lens of gender and sexuality. Her debut feature, Water Lilies (2007), introduced audiences to her subtle, empathetic style. It was followed by Tomboy (2011), a film that gained critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of a child exploring gender identity. With Girlhood (2014), Sciamma expanded her focus to include race and class, telling the story of a young Black girl in Paris finding her place in a tough environment. Each film builds on the last, deepening her exploration of identity and community. Sciamma’s work gained international attention with Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), a period drama about forbidden love between two women. The film won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its quiet intensity and beautiful storytelling. Beyond directing, Sciamma writes her own scripts, ensuring a consistent and authentic voice throughout her projects. Known for working with non-professional actors and a minimalist style, Sciamma emphasizes emotional truth over spectacle. Her films resonate not just as stories but as conversations about belonging, freedom, and self-understanding. Today, she continues to be a vital voice in cinema and a sought-after speaker on topics related to film, gender, and social justice.