Phyllis Ellis  

Independent filmmaker Phyllis Ellis is a native of Canada and has worked in Europe, Asia, Africa, India and the U.S. for the past thirty-five years as a filmmaker, writer, actor and producer. Her work addresses themes of justice, truth, transformation, and human rights. 

Nominated for the 2021 International Emmy’s, and winner of Best Direction and Best Writing at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA), her feature documentary Toxic Beauty has been viewed by over 44 million people worldwide. Her film, About Her won the prestigious Donald Brittain award at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA’s) for Best Social Political Documentary Film and Girl’s Night Out, nominated for best direction.  Phyllis has won 6 CSA’s and nominated for best direction for her work in documentary film, series, writing and performance.  She is very proud to present Category: Woman, her most meaningful film so far.

An Olympian, Phyllis is dedicated to telling stories empowering women’s voices around the world. (12/22)

Available Title(s):


Category: Woman


A film by Phyllis Ellis, 2022, 80 min, Color

After then 18-year-old South African runner Caster Semenya's victory at the 2009 World Championships, her personal medical records were leaked to the international media.  The public scrutiny of her body, driven by racism and sexism, brought into question her identity as a woman and as a a great champion. The International Amateur Athletics Federation (now World…

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