The Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens program recently marked its tenth anniversary with a grand luncheon in New York City, drawing together a constellation of stars and industry leaders. This milestone celebration underscored the program's profound impact over a decade, fostering a vibrant community and providing crucial opportunities for women and non-binary filmmakers. The event highlighted the collective effort to dismantle barriers and champion diverse voices within the cinematic landscape, reiterating the founders' vision of a more inclusive and representative industry.
A Decade of Vision: Fostering Female and Non-Binary Filmmakers
The Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens program, marking its 10th anniversary, hosted a celebratory luncheon in New York City. Co-founder Jane Rosenthal highlighted the program's evolution from an initiative into a significant movement. This event convened an impressive array of talent, including celebrated actors, directors, writers, producers, casting directors, and costume designers, all gathering at Locanda Verde. Their shared purpose was to honor the filmmaking community, with particular emphasis on the ten emerging filmmakers selected for this year's mentorship opportunity. The gathering underscored a decade of commitment to empowering women and non-binary individuals in cinema, showcasing the initiative's growing influence and its success in nurturing new voices.
The luncheon, attended by over a hundred distinguished guests, read like a 'who's who' of the entertainment world, facilitating unique interactions among luminaries such as Sarah Paulson, Lucy Liu, Tessa Thompson, and Meghann Fahy. Additional notable attendees included Kaitlyn Dever, Edie Falco, Katie Couric, Lily Allen, Mariska Hargitay, and Cazzie David, all of whom added to the event's prestige. Chanel's distinctive aesthetic touch was evident throughout the occasion, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Rosenthal's opening remarks eloquently captured the program's journey, emphasizing that what began as a mere program ten years prior had blossomed into a transformative movement, tirelessly working to break molds and ensure diverse storytelling is seen and heard.
Breaking Barriers: Access and Opportunity in Film
Celebrating a significant milestone, the Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens program has, over ten years, supported more than 100 filmmakers and contributed to the production of 50 films. This signature artist development initiative has been instrumental in cultivating a creative ecosystem dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in the world of cinema. The anniversary luncheon served as the precursor to the annual three-day workshop, a collaborative effort between Tribeca and Chanel. During this intensive workshop, participants engage in mentor-led sessions, culminating in a live pitch to an expert jury. This structured approach ensures that emerging talents receive both guidance and a platform to showcase their visions.
Crucially, one team from the workshop is awarded full financing to produce their short film, complemented by support from Tribeca Studios, while four other teams receive additional grants to help advance their projects. As Jane Rosenthal astutely pointed out in her closing remarks, the fundamental obstacle for aspiring filmmakers has never been a lack of talent but rather a scarcity of access. Her powerful message resonated with the audience: 'So with that, let's keep doing what we do best: telling stories, rattling cages, breaking molds, and refusing to be ignored. Because through her lens, the world looks sharper, braver, more honest—and let's be real—it looks a lot better dressed.'