The Canadian director Nisha Ganatra of Freakier Friday has a weakness for mothers on the screen

Nisha Ganatra: The Director Behind the Success of Freakier Friday

Nisha Ganatra, a critically acclaimed director, grew up in Vancouver with a deep love for the movie Freaky Friday. She recalls watching it so many times with her friends that they almost wore out the DVD. Fast forward to today, and Ganatra has made a name for herself directing episodes of popular TV series like Transparent, Girls, and Mr. Robot, as well as films such as Late Night and The High Note.

Her latest project, Freakier Friday, is a sequel to the beloved original film, reuniting Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in their iconic body-swap roles. Ganatra, who is a single mother of two herself, found inspiration in the intergenerational story of the film, exploring the dynamics between mothers and daughters.

During the filming of Freakier Friday, Ganatra was impressed by the talent and professionalism of both Lohan and Curtis. She praised Curtis for her emotional depth and physical comedy skills, debunking the myth that she was not good at it. As for Lohan, Ganatra noted her transformation from past struggles with substance abuse to a balanced and happy presence on set.

One of Ganatra’s priorities as a director is to champion gender equality behind the lens. She is a strong advocate for hiring women in key crew positions and actively supports programs like Reframe, which promotes gender equality in filmmaking. Ganatra is concerned that the progress made by women directors in recent years may be at risk of disappearing if the industry does not continue to prioritize diverse voices.

Despite the challenges she faces as a female director in a male-dominated industry, Ganatra remains committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences. She sees Freakier Friday as a film that explores the importance of chosen family and the power of forgiveness and empathy.

In conclusion, Nisha Ganatra’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to uplifting women in film make her a trailblazer in the industry. With projects like Freakier Friday, she continues to inspire audiences with her unique storytelling and vision.

This article was originally written for The Globe and Mail.