Chicago Filmmaker Amanda Gecewicz Shares Her Journey

Award-winning director and screenwriter talks about her path in the industry and the opportunities for women in Chicago

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:54am

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An extreme close-up of a film reel texture, with the metallic surface reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a high-contrast, glamorous aesthetic that conceptually represents the filmmaking industry.The textured, high-contrast visuals of a film reel capture the glamour and intensity of the filmmaking industry that director Amanda Gecewicz navigates with authenticity and determination.Chicago Today

Amanda Gecewicz is an award-winning Chicago-based film director and screenwriter whose work explores the distortion of memory, time, and human morality. A graduate of DePaul University, she focuses on character-driven stories that examine moral ambiguity and internal conflict. In this interview, Gecewicz discusses her origin story, the decisions that shaped her trajectory, and the evolving landscape for women in the Chicago film industry.

Why it matters

Gecewicz's story highlights the opportunities and challenges facing women filmmakers, especially those working outside of traditional industry hubs like Los Angeles. Her perspective on building community, maintaining authenticity, and creating work that outlasts her provides insights into navigating a male-dominated field.

The details

Gecewicz fell in love with filmmaking at a young age, frequently using her father's camcorder to shoot backyard videos. That passion led her to study digital cinema production at DePaul University, where she realized her true calling was behind the camera as a writer and director. After graduating, Gecewicz built a freelance career and started her own wedding videography business, but she turned down a lucrative full-time producer role to focus on her own creative projects. Gecewicz believes the biggest opportunities for women in Chicago's evolving production landscape are in access to resources and community support.

  • Gecewicz graduated from DePaul University in the mid-2010s.
  • She was offered a full-time producer role at a commercial studio at some point after graduating.

The players

Amanda Gecewicz

An award-winning Chicago-based film director and screenwriter whose work explores the distortion of memory, time, and human morality.

DePaul University

The university where Gecewicz earned a BA in Digital Cinema Production, which helped her realize her passion for filmmaking was behind the camera as a writer and director.

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What they’re saying

“My earliest memory is sitting on the living room floor watching The Wizard of Oz around Thanksgiving, completely captivated. I became enamored with classic cinema early on.”

— Amanda Gecewicz, Film Director and Screenwriter

“Transferring to DePaul as a junior was a turning point. I realized I didn't want to be in front of the camera, I wanted to write and direct. More importantly, I understood I didn't have to be in Los Angeles to do it.”

— Amanda Gecewicz, Film Director and Screenwriter

What’s next

Gecewicz is currently in the process of fundraising for a larger film project and has also started writing her first book, exploring ideas she can't yet bring to life on screen.

The takeaway

Gecewicz's story highlights the importance of authenticity, community, and perseverance for women filmmakers, especially those working outside of traditional industry hubs. Her ability to navigate challenges and stay true to her creative vision offers inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.