It’s no secret that the film industry has been a male-dominated arena since its founding. It’s only been in recent years where we have started to see more diversity, more expansion in the types of voices and stories that are elevated, and more opportunities for underrepresented artists and professionals to showcase their talents.
With the billion dollar success of films like ‘Barbie’, it’s clear that making money is not the issue – it’s the cultural attitudes that need to change, and a groundswell of support to empower underrepresented filmmakers to know that they belong in the film industry. One organization that is walking the talk in this regard is Not Your Daddy’s Films (NYDF) – a trailblazing organization that empowers and educates women and non-binary filmmakers through screenings, panels, a podcast, and various other initiatives. Not Your Daddy’s Films is a community like no other, where competition is left at the door, and genuine connections are made.
Their inclusive approach creates an atmosphere where everyone can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up the film industry. Founded by Carlye Tamaren, Vika Stubblebine, Nicole Lipp, Katherine Hughes, and Kourtney Bell- Not Your Daddy’s Films has quickly become a beacon of inclusivity and support within the film community, tripling its audience within a year, outgrowing two screening locations, and now partnering with distinguished organizations like American Cinematheque.
The 20th-anniversary screening of Monster with director Patty Jenkins stands out among the organization’s notable achievements. In addition, NYDF’s recent partnership with SXSW for a unique women and non-binary-focused mixer has solidified its commitment to fostering growth and opportunity within the industry. As NYDF continues to expand, it remains dedicated to launching technical workshops, mentorship programs, and filmmaker grants to support the creative journeys of women and non-binary filmmakers.
We had a chance to chat with the founding Daddys about the organization’s core mission, how the empower filmmakers to overcome systemic barriers, and why creating an intentional community like this is the secret ingredient to seeing lasting change in the film industry
Can you first tell us how the organization got started, and how you all met each other?
We (Carlye Tamaren, Vika Stubblebine, Kourtney Bell, Katherine Hughes, and Nicole Lipp) are all directors who wanted to showcase our short films, and we met by setting up a friends and family screening of our work. We didn’t all know each other directly, but we had mutual friends and organically found one another. The process of putting that event together highlighted how few women and non-binary directors we knew personally and how much we craved a community– so we created the space for ourselves.
None of us expected it to be as popular as it was, but we’re so grateful for it. Luckily we all became fast friends and excellent business partners in the process. We all have unique skills that benefit the company and our personalities mesh really well– plus we share a proactive spirit. Honestly, we’re all kind of workaholics who are always reminding each other that rest is important. Working on NYDF together as the “Founding Daddys” feels like the best kind of film set; we each have a special skill and a ton of respect for what everyone else brings to the table.
What is the significance or meaning behind the title of the organization?
It’s a very tongue and cheek name. The word “daddy” has taken on all sorts of different meanings colloquially – just look in Urban Dictionary – but it’s inherently part of the patriarchy. To us it felt like a playful way to reclaim an industry that has historically been dominated by cis, white men. We’re taking the word daddy and applying it to all of us regardless of gender identity because we’re all capable of being the boss, of being in charge… we’re all daddy.
“Daddy” has a sort of sexy powerfulness to it. And that’s how we want the community to feel. A true daddy, in the NYDF sense of the word, lifts others up and brings them along for the ride. When one of us wins, we all win. And that’s hot.
Although there is fairly widespread knowledge about the general inequity that exists for women, non-binary and people of color in the film industry, can you share some stats that really reiterate why organizations like NYDF need to exist?
While we can say from lived experience that we’re familiar with this inequality, NYDF doesn’t do any polling or stat collecting. Here are some great resources:
The beauty of NYDF is that we are doing something with this information. We feel frustrated and want to be a part of creating a better industry– to be a part of changing the tide. Looking at these numbers really lights a fire under us to keep going. It’s important to know where to come from to see where you want to go.
What are the main educational tools you use through the organization to empower your community?
Not Your Daddy’s Films has two key pillars, the first being our bi-monthly screenings. These events are all about building community. We’re firm believers that when one of us wins, we all win– so we curate a line up of short films by women and non-binary directors that inspire with their storytelling, artistry and innovation. It’s not a festival, it’s a way to share and learn from each other’s work.
We invite the directors up after our screenings and ask them our burning questions, and The directors and guests are encouraged to connect after the showing. One of the best feelings is having an audience member tell us that a screening has motivated them to make their first film, or that they’ve found a new collaborator in another Daddy.
The other important pillar of NYDF is education. We host panels with industry professionals focused on a theme, like low-budget indie filmmaking or selling a script, that feature showrunners, agents, producers and technicians. We’re releasing a podcast later this year as an extension of our educational offerings, called Daddy Dailies.
We interview creatives about their process so listeners can understand what work went into the final product and be better armed to succeed in this industry. It’s important to us to support other LA organizations with missions that align with ours, so we’ve worked with places like Becine (the only woman owned camera rental house in LA), American Cinematheque, The Ally Coalition and SXSW. We want to expand our community reach and have plans to launch a mentorship program in late 2024/early 2025.
@nydfilms Just makes sense! Welcome to our brand spankin new tt account. Come hang with us for all your scrappy filmmaking tips n tricks! We’re 5 LA directors learning and growing in real time, so let’s get this shit done together! #NYDF #NYDFilms #femaledirector #femalefilmmaker #indyfilm #hollywood #la #spicegirls #strike #wgastrike #daddy #daddyisastateofmind #pedropascal #vanityfair #notyourdaddysfilms ♬ Daddy is a state of mind – Vanity Fair
Can you explain what the biggest barriers to entry are for new filmmakers, and why they still exist in 2024?
Between the five of us we’ve worked on multiple sides of this industry: at a studio, in a writers room, as actors and directors, in TV, features, commercials, and music videos… and we’ve been outside of the industry hoping to break in at one point or another. One of the biggest barriers to entry on all sides is financial. If you want to make your own art you need to garner favors and /or put money into your projects. If you want to climb the established ladder, you have to take an entry level job – which typically doesn’t pay very well.
It’s hard to do any of those things if you don’t have a second job or financial support system to fall back on. Those who can afford to take the low paying jobs are often white– perpetuating an industry dominated by white, cis, men. Not to mention, it’s hard to even hear about the jobs if you don’t know someone who can vouch for you. Most of these jobs aren’t listed on LinkedIn. So how do we disrupt that system?
Part of what makes Not Your Daddy’s Films so great is that being part of our community means you can be trusted. We get requests from our ‘daddys’ asking for referrals and recommendations. It feels great to be able to send over the name of an artist who might have otherwise not been considered for the job. Connecting people is really important to us. We bring in decision makers from studios and agencies to our events so they can also be aware of the raw, “undiscovered” talent available to them. It works – and it strengthens the bond between all of us at the same time.
Can you tell us about some recent events you’ve held and what the response has been for filmmakers?
We’re really proud of the panel series we’ve developed where we talk with women and non-binary creatives who are in positions that work in tandem with directors. We’ve had incredibly prolific guests from shows and movies like ‘Abbot Elementary’, ‘My Brilliant Friend’ and ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’. The feedback has been incredible.
Attendees show up with their notebooks and questions, and it’s really empowering to see our community learning from each other. We think It is so important for our community to receive the advice and tools that make the creation of their films tangible in a setting where their questions are welcome.
How can filmmakers join your community and have their projects be amplified by your platform?
The best way is to come to our events. We see the same faces time and time again, and know people have met at our events and then come back to the next one together. If you want to get eyes on your film, the best way is to submit a short to us to be potentially placed in an upcoming screening. We love having the opportunity to amplify the works of other artists.
What are some of your big goals for NYDF in the coming years, and what are your hopes for the film industry in general?
The biggest goal is longevity as we want to be a mainstay in this industry for years to come. We want to continue the work that has become synonymous with ‘daddy’, while growing to offer more. In a few years, we’d love to offer an incubator for artists where we can not only support them with mentorship and education but by helping them finance and promote their work as well.
Next up in 2024 is the Daddy Dailies podcast and the Big Daddy mentorship program where we’ll pair experienced artists with those who are just starting out. Our hope for the industry is that it becomes more equitable, and also that reporters on the red carpet stop starting questions with, “As a woman…”
What encouragement do you have for women and non-binary filmmakers who are on the brink of giving up or are frustrated by the current state of the industry?
This industry, post pandemic and post strike, is in a strange place. It’s completely understandable to be frustrated and sad about the state of things– we feel that, too. But please…keep making your art. Keep sharing your work. Keep encouraging others to do the same. We’re firm believers that if you keep going, you’ll get where you want to go and you’ll inspire other women and non-binary creatives along the way.
You can learn more about Not Your Daddy’s Films on the website, follow them on Instagram @nydfilms and TikTok, and join the community at one of the upcoming NYDF events. You can also follow the founding Daddys on their personal instagram accounts: @thecarlyetamaren (Carlye Tamaren), @vikastubbs (Vika Stubblebine), @kacehughes (Katherine Hughes), @kourtneybellll (Kourtney Bell), and @flowerhitsthebigtime (Nicole Lipp).
