In recent months, a wave of film projects has emerged anchored in novels written by women, with several adaptations led by renowned female directors. A notable example pairs Sara Mesa’s acclaimed work with Isabel Coixet, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Laura Ferrero. The project centers on Nat, a woman in her thirties seeking a fresh start in a rural setting, and reflects a broader trend where stories written by women are finding new life on screen. This trend is one of many in an expanding slate of films and series that showcase female authorship from page to screen.
The link between cinema and literature is longstanding, yet it is clear that a growing number of directors are turning to recent novels authored by women, creating lively artistic conversations and strong audience interest. Even within projects that originate in Spanish literature published in Spain, examples abound. A film adaptation of a recent novel by Claudia Llosa, which translates Samanta Schweblin’s tense narrative to the screen, appeared last year. A television series based on Cristina Morales’ Easy Reading is also moving toward production, with its premiere anticipated at prominent festivals where audiences are eager to see how the book’s themes are translated for a visual format.
Industry observers note that these adaptations resonate because they speak to truths that many readers recognize but do not always see depicted in mainstream media. The producers behind a well regarded title highlight that the appeal lies in narratives that for a long time have been told in hushed tones or kept off center stage. The original novel explores topics such as female desire, motherhood in a nuanced, indirect way, the pressure of time, and the possibility of vanishing from one’s own life when the moment calls for it.
Commentators emphasize that the choice of a female director can be meaningful, though not a rule. The core requirement is a genuine curiosity about the story from anyone who undertakes the adaptation. Many readers and viewers are curious to see how a female perspective on these themes—desire and self reinvention—shapes the adaptation. The question of why so many readers are drawn to these works is often discussed, with attention to how desire is portrayed and how it evolves across different life stages. The perspective offered by women in particular adds a layer that resonates with audiences seeking authenticity and reflection on personal renewal.
It is important to note that there are no fixed rules requiring adaptations to be controlled solely by women. However, the appeal of female filmmakers to contemporary novels, including genres such as horror or fantasy, is evident. Not every adaptation succeeds; rights can lapse before financing completes. Still, several projects already announced or in progress demonstrate a strong pipeline of female authored properties being brought to the screen. Works by Mariana Enríquez are among those frequently discussed as potential screen adaptations, highlighting the ongoing interest in translating literary voices to visual storytelling.
Meanwhile, anticipation builds around who will adapt the author’s celebrated novel Nuestra Parte de Noche, with several development steps visible. International creators are contributing as well; a British filmmaker known for exploring censorship is taking on a title about a fire that tests the boundaries of memory. An Argentinian filmmaker is adapting a collection based on two stories from a renowned book, while a Mexican director is preparing a take on a story about darkness and summer. Another high profile project involves a Netflix adaptation of a celebrated work set in a stormy, atmospheric setting. Across the board, the direction of these projects signals a robust appetite for literary properties from women writers in North America and beyond, prompting audiences to anticipate new voices and fresh interpretations on screen.