From Kung Fu Panda to The Darkest Minds

Former animator Jennifer Yuh Nelson talks about becoming a top director and helming her first live-action film

Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who says she always had someone take a chance on her, hired ethnically diverse actors to lead The Darkest Minds (above).
Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who says she always had someone take a chance on her, hired ethnically diverse actors to lead The Darkest Minds (above). PHOTOS: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, 20TH CENTURY FOX
Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who says she always had someone take a chance on her, hired ethnically diverse actors to lead The Darkest Minds (above).
DIRECTOR JENNIFER YUH NELSON PHOTOS: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, 20TH CENTURY FOX
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What does it say when most moviegoers have never heard the name Jennifer Yuh Nelson, despite the fact that she was once the most financially successful female director in history?

She gained this title in 2011, when Kung Fu Panda 2 took US$665 million globally, but was overtaken by Jennifer Lee, who co-directed Frozen in 2013 (US$1.27 billion), and Patty Jenkins, who helmed Wonder Woman (US$822 million or S$1.12 billion) solo last year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 02, 2018, with the headline From Kung Fu Panda to The Darkest Minds. Subscribe