Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae Join Esteemed Jury for Through Her Lens
The Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae have been announced as part of the jury for this year’s Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program, taking place from September 16-18 in New York City. This initiative continues to champion emerging female and non-binary filmmakers in the U.S., offering crucial support and development opportunities. This year’s jury, which also includes Allison Janney, Payal Kapadia, and Jenny Slate, will guide participants through an enriching experience designed to refine their craft.
The Role of the Jury and Mentors
The renowned panel featuring Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae will collaborate with mentors Riva Marker, Sarah Paulson, Frida Perez, Constance Tsang, and Odessa Young. These industry leaders are integral to the initiative, offering valuable insights and guidance through a series of workshops and discussions. The program is structured to cover essential areas such as script development, directing, music composition, and costume design, culminating in a live pitch session where one project receives full financing from Tribeca Studios.
Strengthening Voices Through Her Lens
Since its inception in 2015, Through Her Lens has made significant strides in supporting underrepresented filmmakers. It promotes meaningful change by creating an inclusive network where participants like Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae share a common goal. Advisory Committee members, including new additions Lucy Liu, Tessa Thompson, and Olivia Wilde, join returning influencers such as Jane Fonda and Patty Jenkins to foster this thriving community. Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, emphasizes the importance of the initiative’s mission to amplify underheard voices in the industry.
Selected Projects Highlight Emerging Talent
This year’s selected projects exemplify the diverse storytelling that Through Her Lens aims to promote. “Buddy Boy” by Rachel Harrison Gordon and Emily Kron explores identity and voice in the entertainment industry. “Cuqui” by Gabriela Garcia Medina and Laura Fries portrays the struggles of an Uber driver fighting for her family’s future. Alice Gu’s “Smoked” depicts a mother’s frantic search amid a wildfire. “Strangers” by Karishma Dev Dube and MG Evangelista addresses cultural dynamics in an arranged marriage. Finally, “Tartalo” by Kat Whalen and Ginger Kearns narrates a shepherdess’s battle against human and mythical adversaries. Each project reflects the initiative’s commitment to champion underrepresented narratives, underscored by the involvement of supporters like Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae.
The Through Her Lens program not only opens doors for burgeoning filmmakers but also reinforces the power of community in elevating voices. Participants, including influential figures such as Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, and Issa Rae, contribute to a culture of encouragement and empowerment, echoing the program’s enduring impact on the industry.
