Filmmaker Nia DaCosta has reached a historic milestone in Hollywood, becoming the first Black woman in the modern studio era to direct and release five theatrical feature films within eight years, according to industry analysis shared by culture platform Black Geek Squad.
The achievement was highlighted following the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the latest addition to DaCosta’s growing and genre-spanning filmography. While several Black male directors have previously matched or exceeded five theatrical releases within similar timeframes, the record shows no Black woman director had crossed that threshold until now.
Industry comparisons cited by Black Geek Squad note that Spike Lee released eight films between 1986 and 1994, Gordon Parks released five between 1969 and 1976, Tyler Perry released 13 between 2006 and 2013, and Antoine Fuqua released five between 2001 and 2007. DaCosta’s milestone stands apart not only for volume, but for the barriers historically faced by Black women directors in gaining consistent access to studio-backed theatrical opportunities.
DaCosta’s body of work spans indie realism, prestige horror, international intellectual property, and large-scale franchise filmmaking. Her films include two number-one debuts at the U.S. box office and projects produced at vastly different budget levels, including a global franchise exceeding $200 million.
Along the way, DaCosta also became the first Black woman to direct a Marvel Studios feature film with The Marvels, further cementing her role in expanding representation at the highest levels of commercial cinema.
The milestone was brought to public attention in a video moment shared online, where creative executive Ada Enechi surprised DaCosta with flowers while explaining the historical significance of her output. In the clip, DaCosta appeared visibly surprised, saying she had not realized the pace and scale of her own achievements.
Observers note that the distinction is significant within an industry that has long offered Black women fewer directing opportunities, slower career progression, and limited tolerance for risk. DaCosta’s run, analysts say, is unprecedented not only in number, but in the escalating expectations and responsibility placed on each successive project.
As 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple enters theaters, DaCosta’s career is increasingly being cited as a landmark case in modern film history, redefining what sustained success can look like for Black women directors working across genres and studio systems.
