Celebrating Women in Film: Chanel and Tribeca Launch 10th Year of “Through Her Lens”

In a vibrant celebration of female creativity and empowerment, Chanel and the Tribeca Film Festival recently hosted a luncheon to kick off the 10th anniversary of the “Through Her Lens” program. This initiative aims to support emerging female filmmakers, providing them with essential resources and networking opportunities. The event took place at Locanda Verde in New York City, where a star-studded crowd gathered to honor the achievements of women in the film industry.

A Star-Studded Gathering

Among the notable attendees was actress Sarah Paulson, who expressed her admiration for the program and its participants. “Chanel girls always look the coolest,” she remarked, highlighting the stylish atmosphere of the event. Paulson, who has taken on the role of mentor for this year’s program, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences among women in the industry. “The more everyone gathers together and talks to one another about their experiences, the more you can normalize some of the stranger things that happen in this industry,” she stated.

Paulson is set to star in the upcoming series “All’s Fair,” a Ryan Murphy production that focuses on female attorneys dedicated to representing women. The show promises to explore not only the professional challenges faced by these women but also the interpersonal dynamics that arise within their group.

The Importance of Mentorship

Katie Couric, the renowned journalist, also attended the luncheon and offered to assist in gathering more talent for interviews. Her presence underscored the significance of mentorship and collaboration in the entertainment industry. Lucy Liu, who returned as a member of the advisory committee, shared her own experiences with the program. “I know that it really makes a difference. It specifically nurtures women and nonbinary artists,” she noted, reflecting on the impact of such initiatives on emerging talent.

Tessa Thompson, another prominent figure in attendance, echoed Liu’s sentiments. “I’m just always excited to get to be in communal spaces with other storytellers,” she said, emphasizing the vulnerability and beauty of the creative process. Thompson’s connection to the program is personal; she recently collaborated with director Nia DaCosta on the film “Hedda,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Their partnership began with a similar mentorship program, illustrating the long-lasting effects of such initiatives.

A Decade of Impact

Now in its tenth year, “Through Her Lens” has made significant strides in supporting female filmmakers. Past winners, such as A.V. Rockwell and Nikyatu Jusu, have gone on to direct critically acclaimed films like “A Thousand and One” and “Nanny.” Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca, remarked on the program’s evolution into a movement that fosters community and intentionality. “When you build a community that’s intentional, it can actually create some change,” she stated.

The luncheon also served as a moment of reflection, as Rosenthal paid tribute to the late Robert Redford, whose contributions to film and activism have left an indelible mark on the industry. “For making the world a better place through his activism, his charm, his films,” Rosenthal said, raising a glass in honor of Redford’s legacy.

The Future of Female Filmmaking

As the event unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation for the future of female-led projects. Meghann Fahy, who will be part of the jury selecting this year’s winning team, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities and mentorship to women at this stage in their careers. “It’s such an incredible organization,” she remarked, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering talent.

The “Through Her Lens” program not only provides financial support for short films but also creates a nurturing environment for women to share their stories and experiences. This year, five female-led projects will receive mentorship and resources, culminating in the selection of a winning team that will be awarded full financing for their film.

Conclusion

The “Through Her Lens” program stands as a testament to the power of community and collaboration in the film industry. As it celebrates a decade of supporting female filmmakers, the initiative continues to inspire and empower the next generation of storytellers. With influential figures like Sarah Paulson, Lucy Liu, and Tessa Thompson leading the charge, the future of women in film looks brighter than ever. The luncheon not only marked a significant milestone for the program but also reinforced the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the shared experiences that unite women in the creative arts.