Directors Guild Announces New Mentorship Class
The DGA's Women's Steering Committee has selected the seventh cohort for its long-running career development program.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Directors Guild of America Women's Steering Committee has unveiled its seventh mentorship class, pairing mid-career women and nonbinary directors with established industry mentors. This nine-month curriculum focuses on building a collaborative community while addressing the unique professional challenges faced by women directors.
Why it matters
The program provides essential tools and knowledge designed to help directors navigate the industry and achieve career success. By connecting emerging talent with seasoned professionals, the initiative seeks to foster professional advancement in the filmmaking sector.
The DGA mentorship program is a nine-month curriculum that has been in operation since its inception in 2021. This seventh class features prominent mentors including Lucia Aniello, Mike Flanagan, Boots Riley, Karyn Kusama, and Lesli Linka Glatter.
The players
Lucia Aniello
She is an acclaimed director and writer known for her work on television series and feature films.
Mike Flanagan
He is a prominent filmmaker recognized for his contributions to the horror genre in television and cinema.
Boots Riley
He is an established director, musician, and activist known for his distinctive voice in contemporary film.
Karyn Kusama
She is a veteran director and producer known for her influential work across a wide variety of cinematic genres.
Lesli Linka Glatter
She is a highly respected director and DGA leader recognized for her extensive work on acclaimed television dramas.
The details
Co-led by Karla Braun, Jess Brunetto, Tiffany Frances, and Alexis Ostrander, the program structure centers on discussions aimed at overcoming industry hurdles. Participants are expected to engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to sharpen their directorial skills and professional networks.
Timeline
The DGA mentorship program was first established in 2021.
The seventh class of mentors and mentees was announced on October 22, 2026.
Culture Shift
This mentorship program follows a pattern set by the Directors Guild of America Women's Steering Committee mentorship program to address systemic barriers to career advancement. It reflects a broader shift toward formalizing networking and support structures to combat underrepresentation in film leadership.
For aspiring filmmakers, the existence of this program highlights the importance of pursuing structured mentorship opportunities to break into the industry. Participants in these programs often gain practical knowledge that can alter their career trajectories and networking strategies.
The takeaway
Effective mentorship programs serve as a critical bridge for mid-career professionals navigating high-pressure creative industries. Aspiring directors can leverage similar community-focused initiatives to gain peer support and access the guidance of established industry leaders.
Further reading
For more on industry support and advocacy for women in film, explore our Women’s Issues coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Variety.
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