Ninja Thyberg

Ninja Thyberg (born Ninja Maria Thyberg) is a Swedish filmmaker whose work has rapidly garnered attention for its unflinching exploration of sexuality, power, and group dynamics. Born on 12 October 1984, she began her career in the early 2010s, quickly establishing a reputation for creating provocative short films that challenge conventional narratives. Since 2010, Thyberg has consistently produced short-form cinema that interrogates the ways gender and desire intersect within modern society, often employing stark visual language and intimate character studies to illuminate hidden power structures. Her 2013 short Pleasure marked a pivotal moment, offering a realistic yet fictional portrayal of pornography that highlighted the industry's often unseen emotional ramifications. Building on this thematic foundation, Thyberg expanded Pleasure into a full-length feature released in 2021, where she further dissected the commodification of intimacy through a nuanced, character‑driven lens. In 2015, she directed Girls & Boys, a film loosely inspired by the feminist satire Egalia's Daughters, which examined gender roles by subverting traditional expectations and presenting a society where conventional male/female binaries are deliberately blurred. Critics have praised Thyberg for her bold storytelling and her ability to blend feminist theory with visceral cinematic techniques, positioning her as a vital voice in contemporary European cinema. Beyond her filmography, she is recognized for fostering collaborative environments on set, encouraging cast and crew to engage deeply with the ethical questions her narratives raise. As a director, writer, and visual artist, Ninja Thyberg continues to push the boundaries of independent filmmaking, ensuring that discussions around sexuality and power remain at the forefront of cultural discourse.