By Valerie Milano
Photos THT
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/8/26 – The Alliance of Women Directors marked International Women’s Day with an inspiring and thought-provoking salon in Los Angeles, bringing together filmmakers, actors, storytellers, and industry professionals for an afternoon dedicated to conversation, community, and creative leadership.
Held at the First Entertainment Credit Union Community Space in Los Angeles, the event welcomed guests for a lively mixer before diving into two powerful panels that explored the evolving role of women behind the camera and the importance of storytelling during politically and culturally transformative times. The salon served as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding attendees of the continued need to uplift and support women directors across the entertainment industry.
The first panel, “Reclaiming the Frame: Actors Stepping Into the Director’s Chair,” featured actors-turned-directors Natalie Morales, America Young, and Keesha Sharp. The trio shared candid insights about transitioning from performing in front of the camera to leading productions behind it.
Each spoke about the unique perspective actors bring to directing, including a deep understanding of performance, collaboration, and set dynamics. They also discussed the challenges of being taken seriously as directors after establishing careers as actors, emphasizing persistence, mentorship, and creative confidence as key elements of their journeys.
The conversation was both honest and encouraging, highlighting how artists can reclaim their narrative power by stepping into new roles and expanding their creative influence.
The second panel, “Directing in the Now: Storytelling, Power, and the Political Moment,” brought together directors Patricia Riggen and Jen McGowan in conversation with moderator Wendy Calhoun. The discussion explored how filmmakers navigate storytelling during a time of heightened political awareness and social change.
Panelists addressed the responsibility directors carry when shaping narratives that reflect real-world issues, emphasizing that storytelling has the power to challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and spark dialogue. They also spoke about the importance of authenticity, creative courage, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented both in front of and behind the camera.
Throughout the afternoon, the event fostered a spirit of collaboration and mentorship, core values long championed by the Alliance of Women Directors. Attendees had opportunities to connect during mixers before and after the panels, reinforcing the sense of community that continues to grow around the organization’s mission.
By the evening’s closing remarks, the salon had done exactly what it set out to accomplish: celebrate women’s leadership in film and television while encouraging the next generation of directors to step forward with bold stories and new perspectives.
For many in attendance, the International Women’s Day gathering was more than a panel discussion, it was a reminder that when women support one another in the industry, the entire creative landscape expands.
