Film Independent has announced the return of the Directors Close-Up series, taking place over two weeks beginning 20 January.
The signature programme, now in its 25th year, is dedicated to exploring the craft of directing and will celebrate many of the directors, writers and creators behind the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards-nominated films and television series through a series of live, online panels.
Film Independent explained: “This year’s DCU brings together an exceptional lineup of acclaimed creators from around the globe working across narrative and documentary film, as well as television.
“Following last year’s format, each session will spotlight a specific Spirit Awards category and provide Film Independent Members with the opportunity to watch the conversation live and join the discussion by submitting their questions to the panellists.
“The series offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process shaping some of the year’s most celebrated independent work.”
“2025 was a great year for film and television and the Spirit Awards nominations reflect that,” added María Raquel Bozzi, senior director of education and international initiatives.
“From veteran filmmakers with wide international recognition to fresh new voices from around the world, this year’s Directors Close-Up featuring the Spirit Awards nominees offers a unique opportunity to explore and discover the full spectrum of cinematic storytelling today, with the directors and creators behind these amazing films and shows.”
This year’s Directors Close-Up participants include:
- Giselle Bailey, Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
- Kate Beecroft, East of Wall
- Joe Bennett, Common Side Effects
- Clint Bentley, Train Dreams
- Phil Bertelsen, Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
- Cristian Carretero, Esta Isla (This Island)
- Lloyd Lee Choi, Lucky Lu
- Traci Curry, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time
- Cherien Dabis, All That’s Left of You
- Sarah Friedland, Familiar Touch
- Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor
- Julian Glander, Boys Go to Jupiter
- Bryan Fuller, Dust Bunny
- Steve Hely, Common Side Effects
- Hong Khaou, Mr Loverman
- Tamara Kotevska, The Tale of Silyan
- Julia Loktev, My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow
- Carson Lund, Eephus
- Angus MacLachlan, A Little Prayer
- Lorraine Jones Molina, Esta Isla (This Island)
- Elena Oxman, Outerlands
- Charlie Polinger, The Plague
- Alex Russell, Lurker
- Ira Sachs, Peter Hujar’s Day
- Peter Scriver, Endless Cookie
- Seth Scriver, Endless Cookie
- Bret Sigler, Citizen Nation
- Simón Mesa Soto, A Poet
- James Sweeney, Twinless
- Christian Swegal, Sovereign
- Jack Thorne, Adolescence
- Constance Tsang, Blue Sun Palace
- Eva Victor, Sorry, Baby
- Matt Wolf, Pee-wee as Himself
Film Independent members can register to watch the Close-Up sessions live, while the conversations will be available for all on the Film Independent YouTube channel at a later date.
