My worst nightmare was, sometimes you go to Sundance and there’s a female filmmaker and they’re like, ‘It’s been 12 years since their last film!’ I was like, ‘Yikes, I don’t want that to be me. I also didn’t want to get stuck as being seen as someone who just makes small movies.

In the given statement, Nia DaCosta expresses her concerns about the perception that female filmmakers might face if they take a long break between projects or are associated with producing only small-scale movies. She mentions attending events like Sundance where she observes such patterns and reflects on her own career trajectory.

This quote delves into broader themes of ambition, career progression, and societal expectations in the film industry. DaCosta highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent professional presence and diversifying one's portfolio to avoid being pigeonholed or overlooked due to prolonged gaps between projects. Additionally, it underscores the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated field of filmmaking, where they often need to prove their worth continually and overcome stereotypes that limit their creative range.

Nia DaCosta is an accomplished filmmaker known for her work on television series such as "Claws" and films like "Candyman." Her quote reflects a proactive approach to career management and the desire to challenge industry norms, particularly those affecting women in leadership roles within film production.