**Eliza Hittman** (Brooklyn, 1979) is an American director and screenwriter acclaimed for her naturalistic and intimate style. Her films sensitively explore the complexities of adolescence, sexuality, and identity discovery, often through raw and realistic portrayals of young characters.

Her debut, *It Felt Like Love* (2013), deals with female sexual awakening. She achieved further success with *Beach Rats* (2017), which won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival, an intense portrait of a young man struggling with his hidden sexuality in a male-dominated environment.

Her most celebrated film is *Never Rarely Sometimes Always* (2020), winner of Sundance and the Silver Bear at Berlin. The film follows two cousins on a difficult journey to obtain an abortion, highlighting themes of female autonomy and difficulties in accessing healthcare services. Hittman's style is distinguished by her measured direction, authentic performances, and deep empathy for her subjects.