2023 SBIFF WOMEN’S PANEL Showcasing Domee Shi, Gwendolyn Yates, Mary Zophres, Ruth E. Carter, and More

The panel began as Roger Durling introduced the panelists’ amazing work and invited them on stage. He lastly brought on Moderator Claudia Puig.

Puig began with brief bio’s of the Oscar nominated panelists.

Anne Alvergue spoke on how she felt drawn to make a film on feminine power and found herself making a film on Martha Mitchell. She continues by summarizing how she went from editor to directing her own project.

Ruth E. Carter noted how a variety of her work has been on women directed projects.

As a costume designer, Carter has seen how the influence from producers and editors has evolved throughout the years to become more inclusive.

As a female director, Domee Shi noted how she feels a sense of responsibility to “hold the door open” for more women to get involved in the industry.

The conversation moved back to Carter as she spoke on the challenge of applying traditional African designs into a modern film for “Black Panther”.

Costume Designer Mary Zophres spoke on the research involved in the designs behind “Babylon” and how throughout the year of 2020 she was tasked in going through various images and paintings from the 1920’s.

Zophres was moved by the collaboration between the various craftsmen involved in the creation of the “Babylon”.

Hannah Minghella details the process of turning a beloved book into a short film. Minghella was focused on keeping the art from the book consistent into the film. She also spoke to the importance of keeping the author at the center of it all.

Gwendolyn Yates spoke on her collaborations with James Cameron as she has partnered with him for various projects.

Yates explained how the sound really sets the reality in film. Even in fiction, sound brings all the components to life.

The panel wraps as Puig asks the panelists what is next for them.