Rooted in Vision: Inside the 11th Annual 'Through Her Lens' Luncheon in New York City
By investing in storytellers before the rest of the world knows their names, Through Her Lens continues to dismantle structural barriers, foster collective wisdom, and preserve a living archive of transformative, independent cinema.
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, artists, filmmakers, and cultural leaders gathered at Locanda Verde in New York City for the 11th Annual THROUGH HER LENS: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program luncheon.
Co-hosted by Jane Rosenthal and CHANEL, the gathering served as a vital space to honor women and non-binary storytellers while launching a three-day mentorship program for ten emerging directors.
Opening the program, Rosenthal addressed the ongoing work of creating true equity in the film industry:
"For years, we've talked about giving women a seat at the table. I don't think a seat is enough anymore. We need our own table... If someone opens a door for you, hold it open for the woman behind you and keep it open for the woman in front of you."
Rosenthal noted that over its eleven-year history, the Tribeca and CHANEL partnership has supported more than 100 filmmakers and 50 films. "Talent has never been the problem. Access is," she added. The event also featured a surprise appearance by Tribeca Co-Founder Robert De Niro to celebrate Rosenthal’s 70th birthday.
The gathering brought together an expansive network of creative leadership across generations, including Halle Berry, Regina King, H.E.R., Riley Keough, Misty Copeland, Rosie Perez, Celine Song, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Patty Jenkins.
Through Her Lens: The Tribeca CHANEL Women's Filmmaker Program Luncheon
Creative Origins: Passing the Torch in Cinema
As part of this year's program, Academy Award®–nominated filmmaker and musician Teyana Taylor joined director and writer A.V. Rockwell for a featured conversation on their creative origins. Both serving as program advisors,
Taylor and Rockwell reflected on their artistic journeys, the barriers they navigated, and the responsibility of championing the next generation of storytellers.
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Their dialogue highlighted the core purpose of Through Her Lens: moving beyond surface-level representation to build direct, sustained pathways for emerging artists. By sharing the lived experiences and breakthroughs that shaped their own careers, Taylor and Rockwell offer critical guidance to the ten selected participants navigating this year’s intensive workshop.
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