Home / Arts and Entertainment / Berry, Ryan Aid New Female Filmmakers in NYC
Berry, Ryan Aid New Female Filmmakers in NYC
26 Oct
Summary
- Five emerging women and non-binary filmmakers were chosen for mentorship.
- The winning short film, COWARDS, received a $120,000 production grant.
- The program aims to reduce gender gaps in the film industry.
In September 2026, Halle Berry joined a panel of distinguished film industry figures in New York City to select five emerging women and non-binary filmmakers. This three-day mentorship program, Through Her Lens: The Tribeca CHANEL Women's Filmmaker Program, offered expert guidance and production grants.
The initiative marked its 11th year by pairing selected creative teams with seasoned professionals. Writer-director Gem Little and producer Kseniya Yorsh won the top prize for their short film, COWARDS. They received a $120,000 grant and production support from Tribeca Studios.
COWARDS, inspired by Little's experiences, tells the story of an eleven-year-old girl navigating family relationships during a summer day in Chicago. The jury praised the film as a compassionate story needed in the current climate.
The three-day workshop assists filmmakers in script improvement, creative vision development, and investor pitches. It covers practical aspects of independent filmmaking, aiming to reduce gender disparities by providing financial backing and industry connections to emerging directors.
This partnership between Tribeca and Chanel has supported women and non-binary storytellers since its inception. Applications for the next edition will reopen before the 2027 Tribeca Festival, scheduled for June 3 to June 12 in New York.
