Halle Berry, Regina King, Celine Song, and Meg Ryan are confirmed participants in the upcoming Through Her Lens Women’s Filmmaker Program, organized by Tribeca Enterprises and Chanel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this year’s program will take place in New York from September 22 to 24, marking its 11th edition.
Key Roles in the Through Her Lens Program
This year, Halle Berry, Regina King, and Meg Ryan will serve as jurors overseeing the initiative. They will be joined by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, an Oscar-winning cinematographer, and actress Ella Rubin. The program not only showcases these prominent figures but also provides critical mentorship opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
Celine Song will take on the mentor role alongside a distinguished group including Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Aleshea Harris, and actress Fala Chen. The addition of conversation leaders such as H.E.R., Patty Jenkins, and award-winning composer Laura Karpman further enhances the program’s profile, providing essential insights and guidance to participants.
Halle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Background on Through Her Lens Initiative
Launched in 2015, the Through Her Lens program aims to support U.S.-based women and non-binary filmmakers by offering funding and hands-on development opportunities. The three-day workshop includes sessions on various aspects of filmmaking such as script development, directing, and music composition. Participants ultimately pitch their projects to the jury, with one team receiving full financing for a short film, while four additional teams gain development grants.
Over the past decade, the Through Her Lens program has successfully developed 50 short films, with 10 of those receiving complete funding. The resultant films have made their mark at notable festivals like Sundance and Toronto, gaining distribution through platforms such as HBO Max and Criterion. This achievement underscores the importance of the initiative in promoting female filmmakers in the industry.
Halle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Acclaimed Advisory Committee Supporting Participants
Tribeca and Chanel have established an advisory committee for the program, formed in 2023. This committee includes prominent figures such as Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, and Olivia Wilde, all of whom lend their expertise and influence to support the next generation of filmmakers. The diverse composition of the committee and mentorship team reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity in the film industry.
Halle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Announced Projects for This Year’s Edition
This year's program will feature unique films from emerging talents. Some notable projects include:
Jasmine J. Johnson's "BREAK," which examines a young Black surfer's struggle with public validation.
Jinsui Song's "CAMOUFLAGE," a story set in 2007 China about an androgynous girl navigating military training.
Victoria Trow's "COLD EMBRACE," exploring the unconventional therapy of a pet python.
Gem Little's "COWARDS," focusing on resilience amidst a troubled upbringing.
Carlen May-Mann's "GRIPPY SOCKS," highlighting a journey through a mental health crisis.
These projects reflect the program’s mission of showcasing diverse voices and innovative storytelling in short films.
What this means
The involvement of celebrated figures like Halle Berry and Regina King not only brings visibility to the Through Her Lens program but also elevates its mission of empowering women in filmmaking. As initiatives like this continue to gain traction, the impact on the film industry could foster a more diverse creative landscape in the years to come. With the ongoing support of influential mentors and industry leaders, this year’s edition promises to further enrich the pipeline of female-driven narratives in cinema.
For more details about the selected filmmakers and projects for the 2026 edition of Through Her Lens, additional information will be provided by Tribeca and Chanel as the event approaches.
Halle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Related EpisodeBreakdown guides
Stars Announced for 2026 Through Her Lens ProgramKey Roles in the Through Her Lens ProgramHalle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Background on Through Her Lens InitiativeHalle Berry, Regina King Join Tribeca: Acclaimed Advisory Committee Supporting Participants
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