Actress, director, producer, activist—Trudie Styler has never stuck to just one pursuit. Here's what she had to say about the successes, challenges, and inspirations she encountered on her journey.

What is your biggest success to date as a female leader? Conversely, what has been the greatest challenge?

My greatest success has been shining a light on situations that might otherwise be kept in the dark, and amplifying the voices of those whose stories and situations have been kept silent – such as through my documentary work, and humanitarian projects. I’m really proud, for instance, of the film I made with Michael Apted about the 1989 demonstration for democracy in China, called “Moving the Mountain”. That took five years to make, and is still a platform for the voices of a generation of young Chinese people who tried to change their country but were silenced by the regime.

One of the greatest challenges is still perhaps the work of our Rainforest Fund, which Sting and I founded almost 40 years ago. We are still battling against deforestation, and still working diligently with indigenous peoples around the world to help them map and gain legal title for their ancestral lands – a complex legal task that ultimately protects their rights, ways of life, livelihoods and ultimately their forest lands for future generations.

How, if at all, has your career path been shaped by gender—and what advice would you give young women starting out in film today?

Growing up in the Midlands, I learned a tremendous amount from the women I grew up around who were strong but nurturing, and taught me about resilience – a quality you definitely need in the film industry. As a young actress I soon learned that my career would be dictated by producers and directors – most of whom were, and still are, men. That’s one of the reasons why I decided to produce, and later direct, for myself – to be in charge of my own career path rather than waiting for the phone to ring. It’s very important for me now to focus on female-driven narratives, and to work with women as much as possible within the film industry. My advice to young women is simple: Own your story, protect your integrity, and don’t wait for permission to lead.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2026 is ‘Give to Gain,’ emphasising the power of reciprocity and support. How does this theme resonate for you?

It resonates deeply. My activism and filmmaking have always been grounded in reciprocity and community. Uplifting others, whether through nurturing new creative voices or supporting fellow women has expanded my life and work immeasurably. Creativity thrives when generosity is embedded at its core.

This International Women’s Day, Wolf & Badger activations are focused on the phrase ‘Every icon has an icon,’ prompted by the women who inspire us. Tell us about the women who inspired you throughout your career and how.

Charlotte Rampling has been a profound influence. We met in 1985, and she remains a dear friend and an artistic force. Her stamina, courage, and refusal to let age define her are endlessly inspiring. I hugely admire and seek to emulate women who insist on telling the truth, however uncomfortable, such as the wonderful Vanessa Redgrave. And I am inspired also by the very talented comedian, actor, writer and director Paola Cortellesi, whose directorial debut C'è ancora domani was so impressive.

Over 80% of the independent brands on Wolf & Badger are female-founded. In a dream world, which pieces from their collections would you most like to add to your basket?

Emma Chapman.

Trudie Styler is a renowned film director, producer, and actress whose career spans over three decades.

Her first forays into filmmaking were in documentaries where her projects garnered critical acclaim. Moving the Mountain (1994), directed by Michael Apted, won the International Documentary Association (IDA) Award and the Crystal Heart Award at the Heartland Film Festival.

In 2011, Styler co-founded Maven Pictures with producer Celine Rattray, a company dedicated to amplifying female voices and fostering diversity in the film industry. Productions include INFINITE STORM (2021) directed by Malgorzata Szumowska and Michal Englert; UNICORNS (2023) directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd; and many more.

Her first feature film as a director was FREAK SHOW (2017), an adaptation of James St James’s best-selling novel, was released in January 2018 and was nominated for three awards at the Berlin International Film Festival 2017 as well as the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2017. Last year she directed a feature documentary for Disney+ entitled POSSO ENTRARE: ODE TO NAPLES which captured the city of Naples through Neapolitan eyes.