Chanel and the Tribeca Film Festival joined forces once again to spotlight female and non-binary filmmakers with an intimate yet star-studded luncheon in New York. Held in celebration of Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program, the gathering honored 11 years of empowering new voices in film—offering mentorship, funding, and a growing platform for underrepresented talent. Held at the Greenwich Hotel Courtyard, the event brought together industry icons, emerging creatives, and Hollywood luminaries for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and celebration.
A decade of purpose-driven storytelling
Now in its 11th year, Through Her Lens stands as one of the most impactful development programs for emerging filmmakers in the U.S. What began as a conversation between Tribeca CEO Jane Rosenthal and producer Paula Weinstein has evolved into a robust platform nurturing women and non-binary voices in film. Over the past decade, the initiative has helped launch 45 films, many of which have gone on to premiere at major festivals including Sundance and TIFF.
In her opening remarks, Rosenthal spoke to the long-term vision of the program: “What began as an idea between two friends has become one of the most vital artist development programs in the industry,” she said. “And none of this would be possible without Chanel’s commitment to creative freedom, diversity, and authentic storytelling.”
Chanel’s ongoing sponsorship is more than a branding exercise—it’s a cultural investment. The French fashion house, renowned for its deep connections to the arts, continues to expand its presence in film, championing gender equity behind the camera while supporting the next generation of bold cinematic voices.
The power of the lens
The luncheon wasn’t just a celebration—it was a call to action. Filmmaker and Through Her Lens Advisory Committee member Patty Jenkins (director of Wonder Woman) underscored the urgency of storytelling in today’s world. “Storytelling is a profound responsibility,” she said. “The most powerful thing I can do is what I’ve been trained to do—tell a story.”
Jenkins’s words resonated throughout the courtyard, where conversations turned toward mentorship, representation, and the importance of access in a notoriously insular industry. Over the years, Through Her Lens has paired rising filmmakers with accomplished mentors—directors, producers, cinematographers, and editors—offering not just guidance but a real pathway into the heart of Hollywood.
These mentorships, paired with financial grants and development workshops, create space for stories that might otherwise be overlooked. The program’s emphasis on collaboration and craft development reflects a broader movement toward equity—not just in who tells the story, but in how that story gets made.
An afternoon of celebration and community
Despite the industry gravitas, the afternoon maintained a warm, celebratory tone. The Greenwich Hotel Courtyard—bathed in summer light and Chanel’s understated elegance—served as the perfect backdrop for guests to mingle and connect. Attendees included a who’s who of Hollywood and independent film: Miley Cyrus, Riley Keough, Olivia Munn, Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, and Lola Tung were among those present, representing a spectrum of talent across genres and generations.
Tables were dotted with fresh florals and Chanel touches, while soft music set an atmosphere of creative ease. Guests sipped champagne, toasted the program’s alumni, and shared stories of breakthrough moments and future ambitions. At its core, the event was about building relationships—between filmmakers, producers, and champions of diverse storytelling.
With 45 films developed and more to come, the program’s growing alumni base is a testament to its impact. Many former participants have gone on to direct acclaimed features, helm high-profile series, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving fabric of American cinema. Their voices—shaped in part by Through Her Lens—are now helping to reshape the broader narrative landscape.
Chanel’s legacy of supporting women in the arts
For Chanel, the commitment to women in film is deeply rooted in its creative legacy. From Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s own pioneering spirit to the house’s longstanding support of the arts, Through Her Lens is a natural extension of the brand’s DNA. It isn’t about fashion dictating culture, but about participating in it—amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
The brand’s involvement is also refreshingly holistic: not only does it provide funding and visibility, but it also lends its iconic platform to artists who often exist on the margins of mainstream success. In a media landscape where sponsorships often feel transactional, Chanel’s approach is refreshingly intentional and invested.
As the film industry reckons with questions of representation, equity, and authorship, programs like Through Her Lens offer a model for how brands and institutions can collaborate meaningfully with creators—not just to amplify their voices, but to help shape a more inclusive cinematic future.
Looking forward
As this year’s luncheon came to a close, what lingered wasn’t just the glamour or the guest list—it was the sense of momentum. With 11 years behind it and countless untold stories ahead, Through Her Lens continues to prove that meaningful change in film doesn’t come from grand gestures alone. It comes from sustained support, intentional mentorship, and platforms that trust emerging creators to lead the way. In the words of Rosenthal, “This isn’t just about making movies. It’s about making space.” And with Chanel by their side, the storytellers of Through Her Lens are doing just that—frame by frame.
