Blocking Brilliance:
Honoring Trailblazing Women of Color Directors
Featuring Neema Barnette in conversation with Regina King
Presented by AWD’s Black Directors Advancement Initiative, this intimate evening’s conversation was led by Academy-Award winner Regina King. She spoke with Neema Barnette on her groundbreaking career and how she’s navigated the industry for decades.
Neema then lead a masterclass on blocking — breaking down how movement, framing, and intention shape storytelling and power on screen. Through a lottery Kira Powell was chosen to block a scene live under Neema’s guidance.
“The event ‘Blocking Brilliance’ was absolutely incredible! I loved seeing Neema Barnette get her much-deserved flowers and also seeing her in action owning the ‘set’ directing the actors. Her candid talk with Regina King inspired the entire room. Their discussion of craft and the politics on set really resonated with me– a great reminder that this is something we all must navigate as directors.
While I was aware of her many accomplishments and have been blessed to have had several conversations with her in the past, I didn’t know she was the first Black woman to direct a multi-cam tv series! That revelation hit me like a ton of bricks as my first opportunity in the DGA was also as a multicam director. I’m so honored and humbled to be following in the footsteps of this iconic, talented Queen as both a Multicam and Single Cam director and I’m grateful to Neema for opening those doors–even if not intended!
Huge kudos to Anise Fuller, BDAI and AWD for putting together such a spectacular event that we can all be proud of!” – AWD Icon Member Morenike Joela Evans
Journey to the Screen:
AWD ICON Rachel Feldman on the making of LILLY
AWD Directing Members were treated to a nuanced discussion about the making of LILLY, the powerful feature film about equal-pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. AWD Icon Member Lesli Linka Glatter engaged in conversation with the writer/director, and fellow Icon Member, Rachel Feldman.
Rachel discussed her journey from watching Lilly on stage at the 2008 DNC to the premiere of the film at the 2024 Hamptons Int’l Film Festival. She reviewed how the film received its first seed money through to its distribution offers.
LILLY stars Patricia Clarkson and is streaming on Netflix.
Cinematic Staging + Mock Casting workshops
The Rising Director Fellowship hosted AWD Icon Rachel Raimist and Beth Holmes CSA for two dynamic, hands-on workshops
In the Cinematic Staging workshop, Rachel taught participants how to understand the fundamentals of coverage and shooting; how to approach blocking for two-handers, three-handers, and small group scenes in scripted work; as well as how to use digital prep tools for directors, including Scriptation and Keynote.
Beth opened the Mock Casting workshop with do’s and don’t’s a director should know when in a casting session vs. callback, as well as the importance of prepping for a casting session, which scenes to choose, working WITH a casting director, and how to direct in the room.
RDF Fellows then put up scenes from projects our they are working with in the program. With Ally members and referred actors, Beth helped the directors get the best out of their talent in the room.
The VP Shift: Women Powering the Future of Filmmaking
Alliance of Women Directors (AWD), Women in Virtual Production (WIP), and Synapse Virtual Production welcomed guests to an inspiring afternoon of live virtual production demonstration, candid industry conversation, and meaningful community-building for women and gender-expansive directors and creatives working at the forefront of emerging technology.
Through a hands-on VP workshop and a dynamic fireside chat moderated by Ames O’Connor with Connie Kennedy, AWD Icon Jen McGowan, Magdalena Górka, ASC, PSC, and Maggie Hendrie, attendees gained practical insight into how virtual production is reshaping storytelling across film and television. More than a learning opportunity, the event created real space for connection, collaboration, and expanded access in a rapidly evolving sector of the industry.
Works in Progress Program
February Works in Progress Program was an intimate and productive gathering. The event centered on WIP Chairperson Robyn Symon‘s upcoming feature The 7th Chakra, shot in Big Bear. The film follows a tranquil yoga retreat that turns deadly when a group of tech moguls and social media influencers arrive for a weekend retreat.
The film was made possible in part through the AWD / Canon Camera Loan-Out Program, and the event offered a chance to see how the Canon C400 camera and lenses helped shape the film’s visual language. Watch the trailer HERE.
AWD Directing members can request to screen their projects at an upcoming WIP using this form.
Virtual Social Sunday
February’s Social Sunday was hosted by AWD Board Members Anise Fuller and Asha Chai-Chang and centered on Pitching Yourself for Representation.
Attendees reviewed Do’s & Don’t’s of how to conduct yourself in a pitch meeting or general meeting, highlighting what makes you different and how to become skillful and making your pitch conversational.
“I am a new member of AWD and this is my first ever workshop. It was one of the most beneficial ones I have been to in a long time. It felt very supportive.” AWD Directing Member Agnes Peel-McGregor.
Directing the Actor Lab
The participating Directors in AWD’s Directing the Actor Lab meet once a month to enhance their experience working with actors. Topics covered include in-depth scene breakdowns, rehearsal exercises and techniques, and playable direction and adjustments for actors.
This class, Jennifer Warren reviewed scenes from the film Silkwood, breaking down not only acting choices but how various crew members contributed to the storytelling.
In-class rehearsals will continue during the next class (March 3). This class is open to auditing by AWD Directing and Ally Members.
AWD South Presents:
Journey to Success with AWD Icon Mary Lou Belli
Hosted by AWD South Co-Chair Elise Hines, the inspiring and practical Journey to Success conversation with AWD Icon Member Mary Lou Belli yielded many valuable insights into episodic directing.
Mary Lou shared what showrunners look for, emphasizing preparation and collaboration. She spoke about resilience, how to navigate rejection, and encouraged directors to think like entrepreneurs and treat their careers as a business.
A key discussion point was creating 60 to 90 second verticals, recognizing that short form vertical content is the new wave and can be created with something as simple as a phone. Members were especially excited about how accessible and immediate this strategy feels, and many expressed interest in incorporating it into their creative portfolios.