Chanel And Tribeca Launched Filmmaker Program
The annual Through Her Lens initiative has returned to New York City to provide support for women in the film industry.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Chanel and the Tribeca Festival have kicked off the 11th annual Through Her Lens program with a luncheon at Locanda Verde in Manhattan. The initiative continues its mission to uplift women filmmakers through targeted development and financial support.
Why it matters
The program aims to address gender disparities in the film industry by providing fledgling creators with critical resources. By combining funding with mentorship, it fosters professional growth for women within a competitive creative landscape.
The Through Her Lens program is now in its 11th annual edition, initiating a three-day intensive workshop for participants. The event specifically honors activist Gloria Steinem.
The players
Chanel
Chanel is a luxury fashion house that frequently partners with cultural institutions to support the arts.
Tribeca Festival
The Tribeca Festival is a major film organization founded to promote New York City as a center for filmmaking.
Jane Rosenthal
Jane Rosenthal is a prominent film producer and the co-founder of the Tribeca Festival.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is an Academy Award-winning actor and the co-founder of the Tribeca Festival.
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem is a renowned author, activist, and leader in the American feminist movement.
The details
The program provides fledgling filmmakers with essential funding and hands-on development opportunities to advance their careers. Following the kickoff, the event initiates a three-day workshop that features dedicated mentorship and community-building sessions for attendees.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The kickoff luncheon was held at Locanda Verde.
The three days following September 22: Workshop sessions with industry voices take place.
Culture Shift
The 11th anniversary of Through Her Lens highlights a broader industry trend toward institutionalized support for women creators. This initiative follows the pattern established by the 2016 launch of the Through Her Lens program to provide structured pathways for underrepresented voices.
Aspiring filmmakers in the area can track the development of the three-day workshop to learn about future application cycles and mentorship opportunities. The program serves as a tangible resource for those looking to secure funding and professional guidance within the local industry.
The takeaway
The sustained support for programs like Through Her Lens indicates a long-term commitment to changing the gender demographics of the film industry. Aspiring creators should monitor established festivals for similar annual development opportunities that bridge the gap between education and production.
Further reading
For more on how local initiatives support creative equity, see our Women’s Issues section.
