Renowned Actresses and Directors Join Forces for Tribeca and Chanel's 'Through Her Lens' Program

The esteemed “Through Her Lens” initiative, a collaboration between Tribeca Enterprises and Chanel, is set to host its annual Women's Filmmaker Program from September 22nd to 24th, 2026. This eleventh installment of the artist development workshop will bring together a constellation of cinematic talent, both as adjudicators and guides, to champion the voices of women and non-binary individuals in filmmaking. The program's enduring legacy highlights its pivotal role in nurturing new creative perspectives within the industry.

Celebrated Figures Convene for 'Through Her Lens' Filmmaker Program

In a significant announcement on September 16, 2026, the Tribeca Enterprises and Chanel “Through Her Lens” Women's Filmmaker Program revealed an impressive roster of participants for its upcoming 11th edition. Acclaimed actresses Halle Berry, Regina King, and Meg Ryan are slated to serve on the esteemed jury, bringing their vast experience and discerning eyes to evaluate the emerging talent. Joining them on the judging panel will be Oscar-winning cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, renowned for her work on “Sinners,” and rising star actress Ella Rubin.

Beyond the jury, the program has also curated an exceptional group of mentors and conversation leaders. Celine Song, celebrated for her distinctive cinematic vision, will guide participants alongside accomplished director Gina Prince-Bythewood, veteran producer Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, playwright Aleshea Harris (known for “Is God Is”), and actress Fala Chen. These mentors will lead intensive sessions covering crucial aspects of filmmaking, from script refinement and directing techniques to music composition and costume design, providing practical, hands-on development.

The lineup of conversation leaders is equally distinguished, featuring Grammy-winning artist H.E.R., visionary director Patty Jenkins, Oscar-winning casting director Cassandra Kulukundis, Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning composer Laura Karpman, Oscar-nominated costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, and accomplished producer Riva Marker. Their insights will undoubtedly inspire and equip the next generation of filmmakers.

Established in 2015, “Through Her Lens” is dedicated to empowering U.S.-based women and non-binary filmmakers by offering vital funding, robust creative support, and unparalleled development opportunities. The intensive three-day program culminates in participants presenting their projects to the jury, with one team receiving full financial backing from Tribeca Studios to produce their short film, while four other teams are awarded development grants.

Over its decade-long history, the workshop has been instrumental in the creation of 50 short films, with 10 receiving full funding. These “Through Her Lens” projects have garnered critical acclaim, premiering at prestigious festivals such as Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival, and securing distribution through major platforms including HBO Max, Searchlight, and Criterion.

The program also benefits from the guidance of its advisory committee, formed in 2023, which includes industry luminaries like Laura Karpman, Patty Jenkins, Jane Rosenthal, Lucy Liu, Tessa Thompson, Olivia Wilde, Jane Fonda, A.V. Rockwell, Kerry Washington, and Teyana Taylor.

Tribeca and Chanel have also shared details about some of the compelling projects and filmmakers selected for the 2026 edition:

• BREAK: Directed and written by Jasmine J. Johnson, and produced by Katy Wicker. This film explores the journey of a young Black surfer whose viral wipeout forces her to confront her desire for public validation versus her authentic connection to the ocean.
• CAMOUFLAGE: Directed and written by Jinsui Song, with Shen Wei as producer. Set in 2007 Shenzhen, China, the story follows an androgynous 11-year-old girl who, mistakenly placed in a boys' military training unit, embarks on her own secret experiment.
• COLD EMBRACE: Directed and written by Victoria Trow, and produced by Sabina Friedman-Seitz. The narrative centers on Ella, who receives an emotional support python as part of an experimental therapy, only to discover its primal instincts address more than just her anxiety.
• COWARDS: Directed and written by Gem Little, and produced by Kseniya Yorsh. This film depicts 11-year-old Diamond, transient and raised with her family's unconventional survival tools, as her understanding of toughness is challenged during a summer day in 1999 Chicago.
• GRIPPY SOCKS: Directed and written by Carlen May-Mann, and produced by Cacá Montagnana. Kate, admitted to the emergency room for suicidal ideation, spends 36 surreal hours in limbo, where an encounter makes her question her will to die.

The "Through Her Lens" program stands as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers, providing not just financial support but also invaluable mentorship and a platform for diverse stories to be told. The involvement of such accomplished figures reinforces the program's commitment to fostering new talent and ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for cinema. It’s a powerful reminder that collaboration and dedicated support can truly transform artistic landscapes, allowing fresh voices to emerge and captivate audiences worldwide.