The Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) has revealed its impressive roster of mentors for the 2026 Rising Director Fellowship, marking a significant expansion to include producing professionals alongside acclaimed directors. This initiative is designed to offer unparalleled guidance and networking opportunities to female filmmakers stepping up to more ambitious cinematic and television endeavors.

Alliance of Women Directors Elevates Fellowship Program with Expanded Mentorship Roster

In a groundbreaking move for its 2026 Rising Director Fellowship, the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) has announced an enriched mentorship program. For the first time in its history, the fellowship will include a diverse group of producing mentors alongside its celebrated directing coaches, aiming to provide a holistic support system for burgeoning female filmmakers.

On July 14, 2026, AWD unveiled the names of the influential figures who will guide the next generation of talent. Among the distinguished directing mentors are Zach Cregger, known for his work on Weapons and Barbarian, Issa López, the visionary behind True Detective: Night Country, and seasoned filmmaker Jay Duplass. They are joined by Andrew Ahn, director of The Wedding Banquet, Valerie Faris from Little Miss Sunshine, and Josephine Decker of Shirley. This stellar group will offer invaluable insights into the craft and artistic vision required for successful filmmaking.

Breaking new ground, the 2026 fellowship also welcomes a powerful contingent of producing mentors. This inaugural group features Barbara Muschietti, a key producer for the It franchise, Oscar-nominated Emily V. Gordon, Win Rosenfeld from Nope, and veteran producer Andrea Sperling, whose recent work includes Something Very Bad is Going to Happen. Rounding out the producing mentors are Julia Hammer of Together and Tony Yang from Lucky Lu. Their collective expertise will equip fellows with a deeper understanding of project development, financing, and management.

The six selected Rising Director fellows, representing a vibrant cross-section of emerging talent, are Aeryn Michelle Williams (Umbrella Academy), Alexandra Hsu (Sophie), Ann Marie Pace (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Marcella Ochoa (Hour of Blood), Taylor Lee Nagel (Lady Liberty), and Tijuana Ricks (All Souls). These individuals were chosen for their distinctive voices and promising careers.

Kylie Eaton, AWD's executive director, emphasized the strategic vision behind this expansion. She highlighted that the inclusion of both directing and producing mentors will offer fellows a more comprehensive perspective on the intricate collaborative processes that underpin successful film and television production, ultimately fostering stronger, more well-rounded filmmakers.

This innovative approach from the Alliance of Women Directors underscores a powerful commitment to fostering female talent in Hollywood. By broadening the scope of mentorship to include crucial producing roles, the program not only equips emerging directors with artistic guidance but also with the practical acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of the industry. This move signals a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive and robust pipeline for women in filmmaking, promising to cultivate leaders who are not only creative but also adept at bringing their visions to fruition on a larger scale.