Chanel returns as sponsor of the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, supporting a U.S. and international filmmaker each year as part of a one-year program that combines mentorship, networking opportunities and funds to advance their careers.
Raha Amirfazli and Shadi Karamroudi have been selected this year, with each receiving financial support. The fellowship is presented for the third year in partnership with Chanel, and is now in its seventh year.
“The Academy is pleased to support talented and emerging women filmmakers as they seek to advance and grow in their careers,” said Kendra Carter, Academy senior vice president of impact and global talent development, in a statement. “Through the Gold Fellowship for Women, we aim to provide meaningful guidance, foster a more inclusive film industry and champion diverse voices. We are deeply grateful to our partner Chanel, whose shared commitment of empowering the next generation of women filmmakers and generous support makes this work possible.”
Amirfazli is an Iranian writer, director and producer based in New York and currently studying film and TV production at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her debut feature film, “In the Land of Brothers,” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and received the Directing Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Karamroudi is also Iranian, an actress, director, writer and producer. She studied acting and filmmaking at Karnameh Film School in Tehran and has a degree in music performance from Tehran University of Art and a master’s in dramatic literature from Soore University. She has made short films and released a feature, “I Can Hear You Whispering.”
For Chanel, supporting the cause continues its commitment to celebrate film and help empower women in the industry. Gabrielle Chanel herself collaborated with leading filmmakers of her time, “drawing inspiration from and supporting her fellow creative peers,” notes the house.
