Chanel and Tribeca Celebrate Emerging Women Filmmakers at Through Her Lens Luncheon

On Friday afternoon, the annual Through Her Lens luncheon, hosted by Chanel and Tribeca, returned to The Greenwich Hotel in all its glamorous glory. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the initiative, which continues to shine a light on emerging women-identifying filmmakers and advocate for inclusivity and creative freedom in an industry still grappling with inequity. Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal emphasized the ongoing need for progress in her opening remarks, stating, “There’s still so much more work to do.”

The impact of the program was evident as even Miley Cyrus took a break from her Something Beautiful album rollout to attend the event before the film’s world premiere at Tribeca later that evening.

Arriving in a stunning head-to-toe black leather Chanel ensemble, Cyrus exuded effortless cool despite the midday heat. Accompanied by her stylist, Bradley Kenneth, she caused a stir among onlookers as she paused to adjust her sunglasses. Speaking to Vogue, Cyrus expressed her excitement about sharing her music with the world after two years of hard work, noting that summer is the perfect time for new music.

Accompanied by her mother, Tish Cyrus, a seasoned figure in film production, the pair listened attentively to inspiring speeches from Rosenthal, Patty Jenkins, and Laura Karpman in the hotel’s sunlit courtyard.

“Women directors currently make up just 15 percent of the industry, which is unacceptable,” Rosenthal declared, addressing a chic crowd of actresses, producers, and program alumni who mingled over shrimp cocktail and linen menus. Notable attendees included White Lotus stars Carrie Coon and Parker Posey, past jurors Beanie Feldstein, Lucy Liu, and Francesca Scorsese, as well as program alum A.V. Rockwell.

Rosenthal emphasized the importance of programs like Through Her Lens, especially in times of adversity when women’s rights are under threat. She highlighted the power of storytelling as a form of activism and art as a means of resistance.

Riley Keough, dressed in an embroidered jacket from the Métiers d’art 2024/25 collection, echoed Rosenthal’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of programs like Through Her Lens. Keough and her creative partner, Gina Gammell, are gearing up to debut their latest project, In Process, at the festival, designed to showcase female artists in various roles.

Lucy Liu, another alumna who has transitioned into a powerhouse producer, is set to premiere her long-awaited film, Rosemead, this year. Liu expressed her excitement about sharing the film, which has been in the works for almost a decade, with the immigrant community that inspired its creation.

In the vibrant garden setting, conversations buzzed with anticipation for upcoming screenings and new voices in cinema. AnnaSophia Robb shared her enthusiasm for Jean Jacket, a short film she starred in and produced, while Francesca Scorsese excitedly discussed her two festival entries, Fame and Other Four Letter Words and Money Talks. Mariska Hargitay was present ahead of the North American premiere of her documentary, My Mom Jayne, which pays tribute to her mother, Jayne Mansfield.

Throughout the event, networking and collaboration were in full swing, with business cards exchanged and ideas shared. Despite the sobering statistic that women directors only make up 15 percent of the industry, Patty Jenkins highlighted the positive impact of the women actively shaping the cultural landscape.

Composer Laura Karpman underscored the importance of programs like Through Her Lens in breaking down barriers and keeping doors open for women in film. As she aptly put it, “Ladies, we need a battering ram—and this program is the battering ram.”