Chanel and Tribeca Celebrate a Decade of Empowering Women Filmmakers

In an event that underscored the ongoing battle for gender equity in the film industry, Chanel and Tribeca's Through Her Lens luncheon marked its tenth anniversary at The Greenwich Hotel. This year's gathering, a testament to the initiative's enduring commitment to nurturing emerging women-identifying filmmakers, was attended by luminaries such as Miley Cyrus, Parker Posey, and Riley Keough. According to Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca co-founder, the luncheon is more than a celebration; it's a clarion call for continued action against the systemic barriers facing women in cinema. 'There’s still so much more work to do,' Rosenthal emphasized in her opening remarks, highlighting an industry where women directors constitute a mere 15 percent. This statistic, provided by the latest industry reports, paints a stark picture of the challenges women face in achieving representation behind the camera. Despite these obstacles, the luncheon also served as a showcase for the successes of the Through Her Lens program. Attendees, including White Lotus stars Carrie Coon and Parker Posey, past jurors like Lucy Liu, and program alumni such as A.V. Rockwell, highlighted the program's role in fostering a supportive community for women filmmakers. Echoing Rosenthal's sentiments, acclaimed director Patty Jenkins remarked on the importance of such initiatives in shifting the cultural landscape of film. 'Fifteen percent is a dismal number, but when I look around this room, I’m reminded of how many women are actively shifting the culture,' Jenkins stated. Composer Laura Karpman further underscored the luncheon's rallying cry for increased inclusivity and support: 'Ladies, we need a battering ram—and this program is the battering ram.' As the industry continues to grapple with its shortcomings in gender equity, the Through Her Lens luncheon stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of collective action. The initiative not only celebrates the achievements of women filmmakers but also challenges the industry to open its doors wider, ensuring that women's voices are heard and valued on and off the screen.