Alliance of Women Directors is 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the support and advocacy of women and gender non-binary directors in the entertainment industry. We host tradecraft workshops, networking events, screenings, and highly popular educational seminars on the business of the industry. Each Directing member has achieved professional status by having directed at least one long or short-form narrative film, television program, documentary, commercial, or new media program that has been recognized by the creative community.
AWD Directing members are part of our exclusive searchable database, utilized by producers and production companies. They are eligible to participate in our popular monthly Works in Progress Program, can apply for our other Career Advancement programs, and are eligible to receive discounts and waivers on film festival submissions. Members receive free or discounted admission to AWD events, including our partnership workshops, panels, and mixers (NOTE: some events have limited seating). They have access to online resources, and discounts on industry goods and services.
Above all, with AWD, you have a built-in network of supportive creatives and like-minded professionals.
AWD Ally members attend select events throughout the year, including our annual in-person bash where Directing and Ally members mingle and connect (for those in the Los Angeles area), our virtual Social Sundays (for those anywhere in the world), and our AWD South bi-monthly Book Club (virtual). Other opportunities may include select screenings and conversations hosted by our studio and network partners. *Please note that you must be over 21 to attend any in-person AWD events that serve alcohol.
To qualify as an AWD Directing Member, you must have directed a publicly-aired feature film, TV episode, TV movie, documentary, commercial, or short film. To fill out an application form, go to our Join page.
To join as an AWD Ally member, you can purchase a membership HERE. An AWD Ally membership is perfect for someone who:
- Supports AWD’s mission to increase the number of women and gender non-binary directors being hired
- Plans to join AWD as a Directing Member but is not yet eligible
- Works in the film industry and wants to get to know more women and gender non-binary directors
- Loves film, television, music videos, and commercials and wants to learn more about the process of directing them
Membership dues pay for the costs of our events (venues, refreshments, etc.), as well as for all online services provided to members (website upkeep, subscriptions services, etc), and for our programming staff who work diligently to build relationships and create events and programs to further our mission of transforming the industry.
We are able to keep the yearly dues low because our members generously donate their time and energy to the organization.
Yes! We have a searchable database of our members. You can select different filters, such as genre and experience level, to generate a list of compatible directors for your project. When you contact directors for interviews, be sure to mention that you found them on the AWD searchable database.
Members can contact the Committee they are interested in volunteering with. Descriptions and requirements of committee volunteers can be found in the Member Center.
If you are not a member, see the next question for more details.
AWD Ally Membership is open to people of all genders and professional disciplines. Join yourself or gift a membership to a friend!
An AWD Ally membership is perfect for someone who:
- Supports AWD’s mission to increase the number of women and gender non-binary directors being hired
- Plans to join AWD as a Directing Member but is not yet eligible
- Works in the film industry and wants to get to know more women and gender non-binary directors
- Loves film, television, music videos, and commercials and wants to learn more about the process of directing them
Additionally, everyone is welcome to contribute their time and talents to AWD. Perhaps you are an events coordinator and would love to help us coordinate our members' bash, or an entertainment lawyer who wants to donate time advising our members. Or maybe you just love film and want to be around like-minded professionals. You can contact the Committee that fits your interests, or e-mail us at info@allianceofwomendirectors.org and let us know how you’d like to become involved with AWD.
Not at this time. However, students who do not yet meet our membership requirements are welcome to join as an Ally Member. Please note: You need to be 21 years of age to attend an event where alcohol is served.
Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) adheres to the values of integrity and inclusion and believe that culture and global connectedness advance when stories from all perspectives are told. AWD is dedicated to affecting positive, lasting change in the entertainment industry by increasing the number of working women-identifying and gender nonbinary directors in film, television, commercials, and new media.
In keeping with the mission of Alliance of Women Directors, all members – including AWD Directors and Ally members – agree to the guidelines set forth below with regard to the organization, its members, and our industry partners and guests:
- Act in a manner that is professional, courteous, empowering, respectful, and a positive reflection of the mission and values of AWD;
- Uphold the confidentiality of any sensitive information gained through AWD membership and adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth for each of our events and programs;
- Conduct oneself in a fair and good faith manner in dealings with AWD, its members, its partners, and its guests. Avoid taking advantage of another person or entity through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of self or material facts, and/or engaging in other unfair practices;
- Refrain from entering into any agreements, partnerships, or sponsorships with any entities on behalf of AWD without written permission from the Executive Board of Directors and/or misrepresenting the interests of AWD to outside organizations for personal benefit. Please note that AWD cannot provide fiscal sponsorship to any members nor member projects;
- Acknowledge that any program or event using the AWD name and logo must be pre-approved by the Executive Board of Directors;
- Foster an ethical culture through one’s actions, keeping in mind the bigger picture of AWD’s reputation and mission to support and uplift marginalized voices in film, television, commercials, and new media.
In order to maintain a supportive organization, grievances, concerns, and recommendations are to be submitted in writing via info[at]allianceofwomendirectors.org
AWD reserves the right, without refund of any related costs, to limit or revoke membership for those who violate this Code of Conduct.
The AWD Code of Conduct will be updated periodically, and it is the member’s responsibility to be aware of changes.
AWD encourages forthright business practices and accurate self-representation but assumes no responsibility, nor liability for any member’s individual content, nor business relationships made through AWD's website, events, or social media accounts.