Celebrating emerging voices: Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program unveils 2023 lineup
A new wave of talent
The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program has once again set the stage for a new generation of filmmakers. This year, the program proudly announces its jury members and mentors, a lineup that promises to inspire and guide the next wave of cinematic talent.
Esteemed jurors and mentors
The jury panel this year includes notable figures such as Olivia Wilde, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Beanie Feldstein, Lucy Liu, and the multi-talented Joanna Calo. On the mentorship side, the program boasts industry veterans like Pamela Adlon, Jannicza Bravo, Molly Gordon, and Mara Brock Akil.
A platform for diverse voices
Founded in 2015 by Tribeca and Chanel, Through Her Lens is dedicated to providing industry support, artistic development, and funding to emerging U.S.-based self-identifying women and non-binary filmmakers. The program features a three-day immersive workshop that includes one-on-one mentorship and intimate conversations focused on various aspects of filmmaking, from script-to-screen development to music composition, costume design, producing, and directing.
The journey of five filmmaking teams
This year, five pairs of writer-directors and producers will participate in the program, pitching their short films to the jurors. One team will receive full financing to produce their film with support from Tribeca Studios, while the other four teams will be awarded grant funds to support their films’ development.
Notable alumni and their impact
Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises, expressed her pride in the program’s alumnae, a group of talented women filmmakers who are making significant strides in the industry. She highlighted names like A.V. Rockwell, Numa Perrier, Nikyatu Jusu, Kat Coiro, Sonejuhi Sinha, Gabriella Moses, Hannah Peterson, Ani Simon-Kennedy, Laura Moss, Caroline Lindy, and Shuchi Talati. Rosenthal emphasized the importance of these diverse voices and their creativity in reshaping Hollywood.
This year’s filmmaking teams
The 2023 lineup includes:
- “Brace Yourself” by writer-director Chloe Sarbib and producer Rtusha Kulkarni
- “Black Shore” by writer-director Sophia Youssef and producer Céline Bava-Helms
- “Copy Save” by writer-director Alyssa Loh and producer Charlie Traisman
- “Haint” by writer-director Jahmil Eady and producer Selena Leoni
- “Selah” by writer-director Lara Everly and producer Elease Lui Stemp
Advisory committee and ongoing support
The program is also supported by an advisory committee consisting of influential figures such as Jane Fonda, Patty Jenkins, Laura Karpman, Greta Lee, A.V. Rockwell, and Kerry Washington. Since its inception, Through Her Lens has supported nearly 100 emerging filmmakers and the development of 40 short films, with nearly 70 percent of participants being women or non-binary people of color.
A celebration of creativity
The ninth annual workshop will kick off on September 17 with a luncheon hosted by Chanel and Rosenthal at Locanda Verde. This event marks the beginning of a journey for the selected filmmakers, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support needed to bring their unique stories to life.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s heartening to see programs like Through Her Lens championing diverse voices in the industry. The inclusion of non-binary filmmakers and the focus on women of color is a testament to the program’s commitment to inclusivity. The mentorship from industry veterans offers invaluable guidance, ensuring that these emerging talents are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of filmmaking.
For those interested in exploring the works of these filmmakers, I highly recommend checking out the trailers and information pages for their projects. For instance, you can find more about “Brace Yourself” here, “Black Shore” here, “Copy Save” here, “Haint” here, and “Selah” here.
The future of filmmaking
The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program is more than just a workshop; it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers. By providing a platform for underrepresented voices, it ensures that the future of cinema is rich, diverse, and inclusive. As we look forward to the stories these filmmakers will bring to the screen, it’s clear that the landscape of Hollywood is evolving, and programs like Through Her Lens are at the forefront of this transformation.