FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (FEBRUARY 2, 2024) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, announced the return of the Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up (DCU) series, which began on January 17 and concludes with three live events at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles on February 12, February 21 and March 1. The signature program, now in its 23rd year, is dedicated to exploring the craft of directing, and celebrates the directors, writers and creators nominated at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, with online and in-person panels featuring in-depth discussions.

This year’s DCU brings together a stellar lineup of highly acclaimed visual storytellers from around the globe. Following the success of last year’s format, the schedule features eight online and three in-person sessions, each devoted to a different Spirit Awards nominee category, plus additional special guests from the worlds of independent film and television. The series offers creators and enthusiasts of film and TV a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the inner workings of the art of storytelling, as acclaimed artists discuss specific aspects of their creative process.

“The Directors Close-Up is truly international, featuring a mix of veteran indie storytellers and new, diverse voices from around the world that reflect Film Independent’s global mission,” said Paul Cowling, Associate Director of Film Education. “In addition to our virtual Spirit Award nominee roundtables, this year’s Directors Close-Up includes three exciting nights at the Directors Guild of America, featuring Cord Jefferson, Jeffrey Wright, Lulu Wang and their key collaborators. We’re thrilled to have these visionary creators in film and television take part in the series to share their stories and expertise.”
 
February 12
Writer/Director Cord Jefferson, Jeffrey Wright and Erika Alexander dive into the making of American Fiction, with cinematographer Cristina Dunlap, editor Hilda Rasula and composer Laura Karpman.

February 21
Top indie directors share their secrets for directing dynamic genre films that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Featuring Mimi Cave (Fresh) and J.D. Dillard (The Outsider), with additional panelists to be announced.

March 1
Expats creator and showrunner Lulu Wang is joined by her Local Time producing partner Dani Melia and production designer Yong Ok Lee for an in-depth study into launching a new limited series. Wang served as a writer and directed all six episodes for Prime Video.

All three in-person evenings begin at 7:30 pm PST.

Attendees are invited to join a celebratory reception immediately after each event on-site at the Directors Guild of America. Beverages are provided by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FIJI Water, Stella Artois and Fleur de Miraval.

View the Directors Close-Up schedule and register to attend here. Upon the conclusion of the series on March 1, online sessions from the series will be available on the Film Independent YouTube channel.

Past DCU panelists include Ben Affleck, Sean Baker, Radha Blank, Alfonso Cuarón, Lee Isaac Chung, Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris, Guillermo del Toro, Lena Dunham, Ava DuVernay, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, Greta Gerwig, Emily V. Gordon, Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu, Eliza Hittman, Nicole Holofcener, Barry Jenkins, Richard Linklater, Steve McQueen, Kumail Nanjiani, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Issa Rae, Kelly Reichardt, Josh & Benny Safdie, Justin Simien, Joey Soloway, Denis Villeneuve, Chloé Zhao, Benh Zeitlin and many more.

The 2024 Directors Close-Up is supported by the Directors Guild of America, SAGindie and IMDbPro. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Premier Sponsor Lavazza, Principal Sponsor IMDbPro, and Official Partners Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FIJI Water, Petite Fleur Champagne, and Stella Artois. Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. The Official Hotels are Hotel Casa del Mar, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and The Georgian. Pentagram is the Visual Branding Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the exclusive screening partner.

Closed captioning will be available for the Film Independent Spirit Awards stream and Directors Close-Up series. Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.

To learn more about supporting Film Independent’s mission and programs or attending the Spirit Awards, contact Kate Walker D’Angelo at kwalker@filmindependent.org.

View this year’s Spirit Awards nominees here. Winners are selected by Film Independent Members. Membership is open to the public. To become a Film Independent Member for year-round benefits and be eligible to vote for next year’s winners, please visit filmindependent.org/join.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.