Halle Berry Says Anti-Violence Film and Portraying a ‘Female Way of Dealing With Violence’ Is ‘Something the World Needs Right Now’ While Presenting Tribeca’s Through Her Lens Winners
Gem Little and producer Kseniya Yorsh won the Chanel x Tribeca Through Her Lens award for “Cowards”, securing full financing to make the short film. Halle Berry said its anti-violence message and portrayal of a female approach to conflict felt especially important, while the programme highlighted women’s creative agency and the need for stories told from their perspectives.
Set in 1999 Chicago, “Cowards” follows 11-year-old Diamond as a friendship crisis makes her question the toughness she has been taught to adopt. The decision followed three days of workshops, mentoring and industry discussions, with a jury including Berry, Regina King, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Ella Rubin and Meg Ryan; mentors included Celine Song and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
- “Cowards” won full financing through Tribeca’s Through Her Lens.
- The short explores youth violence through a young girl’s perspective.
- Halle Berry praised its anti-violence message and female viewpoint.