Amidst the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles last month, the social impact organization Not Your Daddy’s Films provided both an inspiring and impactful evening for Angelenos. Founded in 2022 by five creative hyphenate women in film, Not Your Daddy’s Films seeks to empower and educate women and nonbinary filmmakers through screenings, panels, a podcast, and more. On January 25th, they converted their most recent semi-monthly screening event into a benefit for the Entertainment Community Fund. Their efforts raised over $2,500 for the charity.
The Fund serves professionals both behind-the-scenes and at the center of various forms of entertainment. Its programs span social services, emergency financial assistance, healthcare and insurance counseling, supportive and affordable housing, employment and training services. For the founders of Not Your Daddy’s Films, benefitting the Entertainment Community Fund was personal. Not only are the founders all filmmakers and artists looking uplift their own, but they also turned to the Fund’s resources in the past. One can only imagine it was full-circle moment for NYDF’s co-founders Nicole Lipp, Carlye Tamaren, Vika Stubblebine, Kourtney Bell, and Katherine Hughes, to give back to a charity that had once served them in a time of need.
8 Female-Directed Films Screened at NYDF’s January Event
Though the damage and devastation caused by the wildfires is impossible to ignore in Los Angeles, Not Your Daddy’s Films created an artistic haven and a temporary positive distraction from the upheaval. Hundreds gathered at NeueHouse Hollywood to watch a shorts program in which all films were directed by female or nonbinary filmmakers. The breadth and quality of each short selected was impressive, making it nearly impossible to choose a standout.
In the drama space, Vanessa Beletic’s “Catching Spirits” had viewers spellbound, while the historical political piece “Carpeteo”, directed by Adriana González-Vega, shone a light Puerto Rico’s dark past with government surveillance. NYDF co-founder Carlye Tamaren’s wildly hilarious and inventive music video for Thumpasaurus, “Existential Dread”, was not only a triumph, but a family affair. Tamaren’s brother is the lead singer of the band. Along with Tamaren’s music video, Saweetie’s glitzy video for her song “Birthday”, featuring YG and Tyga, directed by Lauren Dunn, also screened.
The short documentary “Mzia Leaves the Room”, helmed by Madeline Leary, was heartfelt and intimate. Finally, each of the three comedies that screened brought down the house with laughter and delight. They were the animated romp “Meowza”, directed by Avalon Barr, the darkly uproarious “Lucy & Sara” directed by Susan Park, and Madison Hatfield’s surprisingly tender “I Could Dom”.
Following the screening, Vika Stubblebine moderated a Q&A with all the directors. Each filmmaker shared their process, inspiration, and insight that went into making each other uniquely moving shorts.
Not Your Daddy’s Films Launces Podcast “Daddy Dailies”
For those reading experiencing FOMO at not being able to attend the Not Your Daddy’s Films Screening Event, fret not. Last month, the organization launched their own podcast, “Daddy Dailies”.
Hosted by the NYDF co-founders, “Daddy Dailies” showcases conversations with industry professionals sharing how they achieved their success. The aim of the discussions to better arm listeners to succeed in the entertainment industry.
There are only four episodes released thus far, yet the caliber of guests on “Daddy Dailies” is staggering. Their premiere episode featured a conversation with prolific Wonder Woman and Monster director Patty Jenkins. Their most recent episode dives into directing network television with Clara Aranovich. Aranovich’s directed episodes of the hit shows “Tracker” and “Nancy Drew“.
Given their strong start to an already tumultuous 2025, it’s undeniable that Not Your Daddy’s Films are an organization to follow closely.
