The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Rachel Morrison discusses her new film, Love of Your Life, with fellow Director Malcolm Washington in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses working with her Cinematographer to find different looks that reflect eras of her character’s life, working with Actor Margaret Qualley on finding the right emotional weight to bring to the film, and experimenting with montages and flashbacks to further refine the film’s narrative. The film tells the story of Maya, a Boston nurse who fell in love and quickly married at a young age. When the relationship falls apart, she flees her life in the US, meeting another man who revives her capacity for intimacy, but challenging who she and what she wants. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/loveofyourlife_qna_1026

Director Bassam Tariq discusses his new film, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, with fellow Director Walter Thompson-Hernandez in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses drawing on his own experiences as a father in crisis, shooting the film and its large fight sequences within a 30 day schedule, and how a previous project he was tied to with Actor Mahershala Ali led to the materialization of this project. The film tells the story of Latif, a devoutly religious hitman, who embarks on a desperate journey across Houston to protect his children after his wife dies. As he confronts forces closing in on him, he finds his beliefs threatening to unravel. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/yourmother_qna_1026

Director Cristian Mungiu discusses his new film, Fjord, with fellow Director Ira Sachs in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses drawing inspiration for the plot from real-world events, casting Actors Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan, and deliberately not seeking to take a side in the narrative. Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of the Gheorghiu family, who have recently relocated to Norway from Romania. Still adjusting to their new home, their life soon unravels when their young daughter shows up to school one day covered in bruises. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/gcs_fjord_1026

Director Lance Oppenheim discusses his new film, Primetime, with fellow Director Molly Gordon in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how he slowly enticed Actor Robert Pattinson to get involved and play the lead role, how he studied past episodes of To Catch a Predator to capture the surreal horror in the show’s set for his own production design, and how he gained insight into Hansen’s person through numerous tv appearances and his Cameo recordings. Inspired by true events, the film dramatizes the production of “Dateline NBC’s To Catch a Predator” and follows its host, journalist Chris Hansen, as his quest for continued ratings success and making television history straddles the line between righteous and ethical. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/primetime_qna_1026

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu discusses his new film, Digger, with fellow Director Denis Villeneuve in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses using theater as a meta layer to reflect the truth of reality in another light, utilizing miniatures and old theater tricks in his production design, and working with Actor Tom Cruise to capture the bravado he was aiming for in the title character. The film tells the story of Digger Rockwell, a rich oil tycoon and the most powerful man in the world. After his company’s drilling in Greenland dislodges a giant ice shelf, he embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the catastrophic tsunami he caused hits Europe. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/digger_qna_0926

Director Don Scardino discusses his new film, A Break in the Rain, with fellow Director Laura Belsey in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actor Elizabeth Davis when writing the songs of the film, casting Actor Michael O’Keefe in the leading role, and recording the score of the movie himself with a guitar. The film tells the story of Jake, a widower who returns home when his son passes from cancer. Intending to help support his daughter-in-law, he takes a job driving for a limo service and meets a country singer who ultimately changes his life during a musical road trip. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/abreakintherain_qna_0926

Director Chris Rock discusses his new film, Misty Green, with fellow Director Spike Lee in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how lead Actor Rosalind Eleazar was selected for the part, finding which scenes worked and what didn’t through his rehearsal process, and approaching the edit of the film like he would a standup special. The film tells the story of Misty, a talented actress years after her Hollywood breakthrough. Finding her career stalled, she fights for a second chance at returning to the spotlight. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/mistygreen_qna_0926

Director Alex Stapleton discusses her new film, The Brittney Griner Story, with fellow Director Laura Belsey in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses her process of shooting master interviews first to find a foundation for her story, interviewing former President Joe Biden, and how she obtained footage of Russian prisons. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows WNBA star Brittney Griner, who, while playing abroad in Russia, was seized and placed into detention. Fighting for freedom, she is finally released and makes it her mission to help other wrongfully detained Americans seek justice. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/nov2026/docseries_brittneygrinerstory-0926

Director Michael Russell Gunn discusses his new film, The Brink of War, with fellow Director Rawson Marshall Thurber in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses using transcripts from the real event as reference for the film, utilizing the authentic locations and furniture that were used by the figures depicted in the film, and casting Actor Jeff Daniels as the lead from their past working on The Newsroom together. The film follows U.S. President Ronald Reagan as he races against time to salvage a deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that could dismantle nuclear arsenals. With pressure mounting on all sides, every word spoken brings the world closer to peace or to the brink of destruction. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2026/Oct2026/BrinkOfWar_QnA_0926

Directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss discuss their new film, Teenage Wasteland, with fellow Director Alice Gu in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss poring through 500 hours of archival footage to find the film’s heart, recreating the school’s classroom from the 1990s to make a “portal of recollection”, and taking consideration into finding era-appropriate music for the film. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows a group of 1990s teenagers who made a student documentary about a mysterious brown muck surfacing at the local dump in their town. Thirty years later, they revisit their film and the transformative experience that uncovered a vast conspiracy poisoning their community. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/oct2026/docseries_teenagewasteland-0926

Director Dave Green discuss his new film, Coyote vs. Acme, with fellow Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the story behind the film’s distribution, his on-set tactics for shooting a mixed live action/animation film, and working with animators from a variety of backgrounds to capture the energy of the Looney Tunes series. The film tells the story of Wile E. Coyote, who, after decades of enduring catastrophic product failures at the hands of ACME Inc., decides to finally fight back. Teaming up with a billboard accident lawyer, he takes on the company and their slick corporate counsel, exposing a cover-up that’s been blowing him up in the name of profit. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/oct2026/coyotevacme_qna_0826

Director Adam Shankman discuss his new film, Stop! That! Train!, with fellow Director Nzingha Stewart in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how films like Airplane! and Hot Shots! influenced the style of comedy, how shooting limitations led to inventive workarounds, and finding opportunities for a joke in every corner of the film. The film tells the story of best friend stewardesses Tess and DeeDee, out of a job after their train line is discontinued. After sneaking aboard the luxurious Glamazonian Express where they are constantly upstaged by the snooty first-class crew, a massive storm arises, and they must all work together to prevent disaster. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/august2026/stopthattrain_qna_0626

Director Michael Sarnoski discuss his new film, The Death of Robin Hood, with fellow Director Drew Pearce in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses juxtaposing themes of violence and serenity for a fresh take on the Robin Hood myth, how he worked with Actor Hugh Jackman when filming gritty setpieces and action scenes, and discovering Composer Jim Ghedi who scored the old folk sound of the film. The film tells the story of the famed thief, grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder. Finding himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last, he ends up in the hands of a mysterious woman and is offered an opportunity at salvation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/august2026/thedeathofrobinhood_qna_0626

Director Olivia Wilde discuss her new film, The Invite, with fellow Directors Matt and Ross Duffer in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angles. In the conversation, she discusses choosing the project from a want to tell a stripped down story with no gloss, her roles Directing and Acting in the film, and the origin of Actor Edward Norton’s memorable monologue. The film tells the stories of Joe and Angela - their marriage on thin ice - as they decide to invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors over for a dinner party. As the event unfolds, the night spirals into unexpected places, potentially reigniting the spark in their marriage or lighting the match that could burn it all down. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/august2026/theinvite_qna_0626

Director Julian Schnabel discuss his new film, In the Hand of Dante, with fellow Director Benny Safdie in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses his spontaneous approach to his directing style, casting Actors in double roles between the film’s two time periods, and his choice to shoot the two settings in a mixture of black and white and color film. Based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches, the film tells the story of a 21st Century scholar, on the run after stealing a rumored original manuscript of The Divine Comedy from a mafia don. Meanwhile, in the 14th Century, Dante himself navigates political exile and undergoes a spiritual awakening while trying to write his masterpiece. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/august2026/inthehandofdante_qna_0626

Director Simon McQuoid discuss his new film, Mortal Kombat II, with fellow Director David Sandberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he worked with the stunt team to make the action scenes advance the story, his preference for practical sets and effects where he could use them, and referencing the video game to fill in little details in the lore across the film. The sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat follows Johnny Cage, a martial arts actor who is recruited to join a group of fighters in an interdimensional tournament. Fighting against supernatural foes and alien warriors alike, he moves up in the ranks, aiming to stop a tyrannical emperor who threatens the very existence of Earth. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/july2026/mortalkombatii_qna_0526

Director Kyle Balda discuss his new film, The Sheep Detectives, with fellow Director Jonathan Goldstein in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses making the jump from animation directing to live-action directing for the first time, carefully balancing the tone with humor while handling themes of grief, and studying the movement of real sheep to recreate body language that could be used in the visual effects. The film tells the story of a shepherd named George, whose only friends are the sheep to which each night he reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending that they can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep suspect murder, and attempt to guide a bumbling policeman into solving the crime. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/july2026/sheepdetectives_qna_0526

Directors Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff discuss their new film, Give Me The Ball!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss collaborating with Billie Jean King to open up about some of the more intimate and uncomfortable moments of her life, reflecting on Billie Jean’s impact through her 1970s archival materials compared to her modern day interview, and working as a co-directing pair for the first time. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film takes a look at world champion tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King and her game-changing impact on culture and sports. Rare archive footage and candid interviews reveal how one woman put changing the world ahead of saving herself. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/june2026/docseries_givemetheball-0526

Director Mariska Hargitay and Producer Trish Adlesic discuss their new film, My Mom Jayne, with fellow Director Lisa Cortés in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, they discuss how Mariska knew she was ready to take on the film, working with 18,000 photos and 2,500 videos worth of archival materials, and how Mariska came to learn more of the mother who was gone too soon. The film navigates Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield’s public and private legacy through interviews, and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies as Hargitay sought to know, understand and embrace her mother for the first time. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/june2026/docseries_mymomjayne-0426

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller discuss their new film, Project Hail Mary, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss finding depth in their characters by trying to see the good intentions is everyone including antagonists, the casting and puppeteering processes that helped realize the alien character of Rocky, and bringing their philosophy of trying to make encouraging films to this feature. The film tells the story of scientist Ryland Grace, who wakes up on a spaceship as part of a desperate mission to stop the Earth’s sun from dying. On his own and millions of miles from home, he has a chance meeting with an alien on the same mission, forming a friendship that may prove to be the key to success. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/june2026/projecthailmary_qna_0426

Director Visar Morina discusses his new film, Shame and Money, with fellow Director Valerie Weiss in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he experiments with his scenes and leaves time for discovering moments on his sets, some of his filmic influences that contributed to specific scenes, and his strategic use of staging and tension in the film. Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Shaban, a proud family man struggling to provide as financial pressures mount. Embarrassed about accepting the support of his family, he faces tough choices about pride versus survival. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/june2026/gcs-shameandmoney_0426

Director David Lowery discusses his new film, Mother Mary, with fellow Director Antonio Campos in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how the project was born from a desire to shoot a one-room film, the choreography behind the seance scene, and his influences in costume and production design that set the groundwork for the film. The film tells the story of iconic pop star Mother Mary as she reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam. In need of a dress for her new tour, Mary asks Sam to help her, causing long-buried wounds, past traumas and specters to return to the spotlight. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/may2026/mothermary_qna_0426

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett discuss their new film, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, with fellow Director Jorma Taccone in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss casting Actor Kathryn Newton alongside Samara Weaving, how they film a lot of coverage in the kill sequences for story options in the edit, and their intentional methods of directing that allow them to strike a balance between comedy and horror in the final product. This sequel to the 2019 feature Ready or Not finds Grace, the lone survivor of the first film, discovering that she’s trapped in the next level of the nightmarish game - this time with her sister along for the ride. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/may2026/readyornot2_qna_0326

Director Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her new film, The Bride!, with fellow Director Greta Gerwig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses the influence of 1930s cinema on the film’s themes, using dance sequences as a medium for her characters to express complicated emotions, and working with her Costume Designer to create striking looks for the cast. Set in an alternate 1930’s Chicago, the film follows Ida, a murdered woman brought back to life to be the monster Frankenstein’s companion. Ida’s second chance sparks a whirlwind of romance, police interest, and radical social change. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/may2026/thebride_qna_0326

Directors Carl Deal, Tia Lessin and the film’s subject, Amy Goodman discuss their new film, Steal This Story, Please!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, the filmmakers discuss the structure of the film as a way to get to know Amy before her work, how the filmmakers originally met Amy, and the relevance of Democracy Now! in a modern corporate news landscape. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows Goodman as she becomes a leader in the movement for independent media. Set against some of the most consequential stories of our time, Goodman works to amplify voices excluded from the mainstream and faces off against forces trying to silence her. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/docseries_stealthisstoryplease-0326

Director Kevin Williamson discusses his new film, Scream 7, with fellow Director Paul Feig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how the original concept of Scream came to be, how he balanced horror and comedy to establish the tone, and the importance and careful use of score needed to maintain the film’s tension. In the newest installment of the Scream franchise, original victim Sidney Prescott hopes to reinvent her life in a different town. But when a new killer emerges, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes his prized target. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/scream7_qna_0326

Director Tom Harper discusses his new film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, with fellow Director Mary Harron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actor Cillian Murphy, how making a Peaky Blinders film differed from an episode of the series, and working closely with his composer to find a soundtrack befitting the tone. A sequel to the award-winning television series Peaky Blinders, the film follows Tommy Shelby as he returns from exile to a post-World War II Birmingham. With unsettled business and his future at stake, he must face his demons and choose whether to confront his legacy or burn it to the ground. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/peakyblinders_qna_0326

Director John Patton Ford discusses his new film, How to Make a Killing, with fellow Director Kobi Libii in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses inspirations and early iterations of the film, managing the tone as over-the-top events happening in a grounded and believable world, and the importance of sound design to the construction of the film. Loosely inspired by the 1949 feature Kind Hearts and Coronets, the film tells the story of Becket Redfellow, a blue collar worker disowned by his wealthy relatives. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, he launches a campaign of manipulation, betrayal and calculated violence to eliminate everyone standing between him and the fortune. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/how2makeakilling_qna_0226

Director Gore Verbinski discusses his new film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, with fellow Director Sacha Gervasi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he wanted to approach the story with a modern take on AI, how Actor Sam Rockwell’s costume was made from scrap technology found in surplus stores, and finding a delicate balance for the film’s tone in between apocalyptic, comedic and irreverent. The film follows a man, allegedly from the future, who arrives at a Los Angeles diner and takes the patrons hostage. Claiming they are the precise combination of strangers he needs, he convinces them to join a quest to save the world from a rogue artificial intelligence. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/goodluckhavefundontdie_qna_0226

Director Emerald Fennell discusses her new film, Wuthering Heights, with fellow Director J.J. Abrams in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses her approach to adapting the original text, working with her Production Design team to create surreal landscapes and environments reminiscent of human features, and collaborating with musical artist Charli XCX to create a soundtrack for the film. Based on the novel by Emily Brontë, the film follows the impoverished Heathcliffe and the wealthy Catherine, two young lovers hailing from different social classes. After Catherine marries someone else and Heathcliffe disappears in despair, years pass and he returns with mysterious wealth and nefarious intentions. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/april2026/wutheringheights_qna_0226

Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 35th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2026/March2026/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2026

Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 35th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2026/March2026/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2026

Director Paul Feig discusses his new film, The Housemaid, with fellow Director Lesli Linka Glatter in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the intentional casting of Actors Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney opposite one another, finding the house that served as the main location and how its architecture led to the discovery of scenes, and balancing the film’s tone between comedy and drama to give breathing room for heavier aspects of the film. The film tells the story of Millie, who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple as a way of trying to put her troubled past behind her. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/february2026/housemaid_qna_1225

Director Bradley Cooper discusses his new film, Is This Thing On?, with fellow Director Bennett Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the true story circumstances that inspired the film, how he envisioned and cast Will Arnett and Laura Dern in the leading roles, and utilizing his cinematography to emphasize the vulnerability of performing stand up comedy. The film tells the story of Alex, a middle aged man facing a divorce, who finds new purpose in the New York comedy scene. As he pursues comedy, his wife, Tess, confronts the sacrifices made for their family, forcing them both to navigate co-parenting and their changing identities. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/february2026/isthisthingon_qna_1225

Director Craig Brewer discusses his new film, Song Sung Blue, with fellow Director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he cast Actors Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson for the lead roles, his care in handling a film that frequently changes tones, and getting the blessing from Neil Diamond to make the film. Based on a true story, the film follows Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple who form the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Riding the highs and lows of success, the couple prove it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/songsungblue_qna_1225

Director Mona Fastvold discusses her new film, The Testament of Ann Lee, with fellow Director Darius Marder in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how her background in movement and dance contributed to the choreography, the logistics of shooting the barn burning scene, and how she aimed to show authentic moments of womanhood to sympathize with the journey of Ann Lee. Based on real events, the film follows Ann Lee, who hopes to create a utopian society in the 18th century. Proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers, Lee suffers persecution as she forges the radical religious movement that would go on to become the Shakers. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/testamentofannlee_qna_1225

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, with fellow Director Jon Watts in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses finding and casting Actor Josh O’Connor, the effort behind crafting and lighting the sets, and how his relationship with faith influenced the film. The film finds Blanc teaming up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime. When the leader of a small town church with a dark history dies from seemingly impossible circumstances, Blanc must discover who in the rogues gallery of his congregation committed the crime, and how. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/wakeupdeadman_qna_1225

Director Josh Safdie discusses his new film, Marty Supreme, with fellow Director Ben Affleck in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he uses his casting process to select Actors that make every character feel like a fleshed-out person, his attention to minute details in recreating the time period and texture of 1950s New York, and the process of working with Actor Timothée Chalamet to capture an aggressively determined performance. The film follows Marty Mauser, a cocky and ambitious shoe salesman who dreams of pursuing greatness. Using his table tennis skills to hustle his way towards the top, he quickly rises in the ranks with the singular goal of escaping his mundane life. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/february2026/martysupreme_qna_1225

Director James Cameron discusses his new film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his experiences of shooting in performance capture and how they compare to real-world shoots, coming up with the concept for the fire clan and the complex characters that stray from their expected alignments, and his own thoughts on capturing beauty in his films and advocating for the theatrical experience. The third installment of the Avatar franchise continues the story of Jake and Neytiri’s family unit as they encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, led by the fiery Varang. When Varang forms an alliance with Jake’s nemesis, Colonel Quaritch, the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/avatarfirenash_qna_1125

Director James L. Brooks discusses his new film, Ella McCay, with fellow Director Albert Brooks in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of casting and how he found Actor Emma Mackey for the lead role, shares how he works with his Cinematographers and Actors, and takes time to reflect on his storied career and history with Albert Brooks. The film tells the story of Ella, a young politician who suddenly becomes the governor of her state after the longtime incumbent accepts a cabinet position with the president. Trying to navigate this new rough and tumble realm of politics, she finds that her fractured family relationships may pose an even bigger challenge. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/ellamccay_qna_1225

Director Hikari discusses her new film, Rental Family, with fellow Director Nicole Holofcener in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses working with Actor Brendan Frasier to capture a character out of their element, working with her Cinematographer to capture the beauty of Japan, and how she wanted to use this film to address the real life loneliness epidemic. The film tells the story of Phillip, an actor struggling to find work and purpose in Tokyo. After discovering a company that hires actors to play a role in real people’s lives, he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds and rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/rentalfamily_qna_1125

Directors Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard discusses their new film, I Was Born This Way, with fellow Director Jade Jenise Dixon in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss trying to paint an honest, human portrait of Carl Bean, how they manage the collaborative directorial process in their creative partnership, and working with figures such as Lady Gaga, Billy Porter and Maxine Waters to investigate what the titular song means to them. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film tells the story of Carl Bean, who survived the oppression of racism and homophobia, and found his voice through a mainstream music career. But dissatisfied with his path to stardom, Bean chose a life of activism, founding LGBTQ+ and AIDS relief organizations to help underserved populations. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/docseries_iwasbornthisway-1125

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his new film, Wicked: For Good, with fellow Director Rob Marshall in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the process of assembling the sequel having filmed both installments at the same time, how he chose to favor great Actor performances over interesting setups when they clashed, and how he strove to make the films relevant to the times. The sequel to 2024’s Wicked resumes the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the popular Good Witch of the North. As their unlikely friendship is tested by the Wizard’s regime, the arrival of a stranger from Kansas sparks a series of events that will change everyone’s lives for good. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/wicked4good_qna_1125

Director Richard Linklater discusses his new film, Nouvelle Vague, with fellow Director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the challenges of making a French film without being fluent in the language, how he recreated the shooting of the original Breathless by researching the documentation left behind by the original production, and the clever and subtle use of visual effects to recreate the film’s time period. The film tells the story of a young Jean-Luc Godard, who gives up writing for a French film magazine to make movies himself. With help from François Truffaut to write a treatment and assistance from Georges de Beauregard to fund the feature, Godard brings to life his vision for a film called Breathless. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/nouvellevague_qna_1125

Director Chloé Zhao discusses her new film, Hamnet, with fellow Director Barry Jenkins in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses working with Writer Maggie O’Farrell and their different experiences with Shakespeare, collaborating with Cinematographer Lukasz Zal and how they captured images invoking the void, and her process of working with Actors to channel their unconscious selves in their performances. Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, the film follows Agnes and William Shakespeare as they live a pastoral life with their family. When their young son Hamnet dies, they both deal with the loss in their own respective ways, sowing the seeds for the creation of the classic play Hamlet. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/hamnet_qna_1125

Director Edgar Wright discusses his new film, The Running Man, with fellow Director Daniel Scheinert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the vast number of locations where the film was shot, how he favored practical effects work and his attitudes on computer generated effects, and his vision for a dystopian future where technology simultaneously regresses as it advances. The film tells the story of Ben Richards, a working-class man in a near future society who is convinced to enter the popular and deadly television show The Running Man as a last resort to escape poverty. But as the show hunts him down, Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into a fan favorite and a threat to the entire system as he must outwit not just the game’s hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/runningman_qna_1125

Director Sean McNamara discusses his new film, Soul on Fire, with fellow Director Dean Alioto in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses finding a balance in humor throughout the story as a reflection of the real John’s personality, how he works with his Actors and puts emphasis his rehearsal process, and incorporating the real John O’Leary with some creative filmmaking tactics. The film tells the true story of John O’Leary, who survived a tragic accident as a young boy that left him severely burned all over his body. Recovering from his injury, he goes on to become a motivational speaker and inspire millions of people to make the world a better place. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/soulonfire_qna_1125

Director Ben Stiller discusses his new film, Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost, with fellow Director Ethan Hawke in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how the project began as a reaction after his father passed, how the title originated from some of his mother’s personal philosophies, and how interviewing his family members and going through archives revealed much about his parents he did not know. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film tells the story of comedic duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, exploring their impact both on popular culture and at home. In the process, Ben turns the camera on himself to examine the generational lessons we all can learn from those we love. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/docseries_stillerandmeara-1125

Director Noah Baumbach discusses his new film, Jay Kelly, with fellow Director Todd Field in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses finding inspiration in Fellini, Bergman and other self-reflective cinema, the technical process behind filming the flashback sequences, and how he tailored the lead roles to Actors George Clooney and Adam Sandler. The film tells the story of movie star Jay Kelly and his devoted manager as they take a whirlwind trip through Europe. Along the way, their journey becomes unexpectedly profound as they are forced to confront their choices, relationships, and the legacies they’ll leave behind. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/jaykelly_qna_1125

Director Nia DaCosta discusses her new film, Hedda, with fellow Director Daniel Scheinert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses her philosophies on adaptations and how that played into making this film, the importance of party, drug and gun cultures to the making of this story, and how she visually tied the themes of the film into Hedda’s appearance. This reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s play Hedda Gabler follows the newlywed daughter of a general as she navigates a house she does not want, a marriage she feels trapped in, and an ex-lover who reappears in her life. Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/hedda-1025

Director Ira Sachs discusses his new film, Peter Hujar’s Day, with fellow DirectorBette Gordon in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses discovering the story beats from the original 35-page writing, being inventive with blocking for a feature about a sit-down interview, and shooting in a style reminiscent of films of that era. Based on the book by Linda Rosenkrantz, the film tells the story of a single day in 1974 when Rosenkrantz and groundbreaking queer photographer Peter Hujar engaged in a freewheeling, intimate conversation. Sharing vivid stories of his interactions with literary and cultural icons like William Burroughs, Susan Sontag and Allen Ginsberg, Hujar reflects on the rhythms of everyday life in 1970s New York. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/peterhujarsday_qna_1125

Director David Michôd discusses his new film, Christy, with fellow Director John Lee Hancock in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses making a sports movie with the shadowing story of an abusive relationship ever present, the process of helping Actor Sydney Sweeney get into shape for her fighting scenes, and working with Sweeney and Actor Ben Foster to capture the powder keg dynamic of their relationship scenes. The film tells the true story of Christy Martin, who never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia, until she discovered a talent in the boxing ring. But her toughest battles start to unfold outside of the ring as she confronts family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/christy_qna_1125

Director Akinola Davies discusses his new film, My Father’s Shadow, with fellow Director Rachel Raimist in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses shooting on celluloid film to capture the beauty of Lagos, the exhaustive process behind casting the two young leading Actors, and finding ways to show the people of Nigeria in a dignified manner that he felt represented the place as he knew it. Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Aki and Remi, who reconnect with the father who’s been absent for most of their lives. But the reunion quietly unravels into something deeper as they witness both the city’s magnitude and their father’s daily struggles during the political unrest of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/myfathersshadow_1025

Director Geeta Gandbhir discusses her new film, The Perfect Neighbor, with fellow Director Yance Ford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses the process of discovering how she would tell the story through police body cam footage, editing the body cam footage into a cohesive narrative that develops the players and events leading up to the shooting, and finding a pacing for the footage so as not to overwhelm her audience with distressing content. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film, told mostly through police body cam footage, uses the shooting of a beloved mother of four as a case study to examine Florida’s controversial ”stand your ground” laws, revealing the consequences that can occur when individuals feel emboldened by the law to act on their fear and prejudice. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/docseries_theperfectneighbor-1025

Director Kathryn Bigelow discusses her new film, A House of Dynamite, with fellow Director James Gray in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses working with journalist and Screenwriter Noah Oppenheim to discover the best way to turn this hypothetical into a story, collaborating with her Cinematographer and Actors to capture an unblocked and naturalistic feel to her scenes, and consulting with government experts to portray the transpiring of events with informed data. The film explores a hypothetical situation: When a radar station detects a single, unattributed ICBM headed for Chicago, how do the many levels of the US government use their limited time to identify who is responsible, attempt to disable the warhead, and in the worst case scenario, consider severe retaliatory options. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/houseofdynamite_qna_1025

Director Scott Cooper discusses his new film, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, with fellow Director David O. Russell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his vision for the film to stray from the typical biopic formula, using Springsteen’s story as a wider conversation to address topics of therapy and self-reflection, and working with Actor Jeremy Allen White to capture the spirit of Springsteen. The film chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 album, Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. As a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, the New Jersey rocker struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past as he records the benchmark album. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/springsteendeliverme_qna_1025

Director Guillermo del Toro discusses his new film, Frankenstein, with fellow Director Bradley Cooper in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the consideration he took in the multiple perspective structure of the story, the research and detail behind crafting intricate props and capturing authentic settings, and what he looked for in an Actor when casting the role of The Creature. Based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, the film tells the tragic story of the brilliant but egotistical Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who brings a monstrous creature to life. When the experiment spirals out of his control, events transpire that lead to the undoing of both the creator and his creation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/december2025/frankenstein-1025

Director Joachim Trier discusses his new film, Sentimental Value, with fellow Director Frank Oz in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses working with his Writer to establish just enough of the characters for his Actors to fill in the rest, how he goes about his rehearsal process to get the right performances in the shoot, and taking time in the edit to find the perfect pacing to balance the emotional arcs of the film. Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Gustav, a once-renowned film Director looking to make a comeback with his next feature. When his stage actress daughter turns down the lead role in the film, he casts a Hollywood star instead, opening old wounds that force them to face their relationship and the fragile bonds that unite them. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/gcs_sentimentalvalue_0925

Director Scarlett Johansson discusses her new film, Eleanor the Great, with fellow Director Frank Oz in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how she sees table reads as essential to getting her Actors on the same wavelength, characteristics she looks for in a Directorial Team, and some of the lessons she learned from Directors when working with them as an Actor. The film tells the story of 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who moves from her Florida retirement community to Manhattan after losing her best friend of seventy years. Soon after, she meets a group of Holocaust survivors and feels compelled to tell a story about her past that takes on a dangerous life of its own. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/eleanorthegreat_qna_0925

Director Werner Herzog discusses Les Blank’s film Burden of Dreams, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the value he saw in Blank documenting the making of Fitzcarraldo, shares further insight into aspects of the shoot the documentary didn’t cover, and reflects on his memories of the late Actor Claudia Cardinale. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows Director Werner Herzog during the filming of Fitzcarraldo, the story of one man’s attempt to build an opera house deep in the Amazonian jungle. As the production unfolds, the crew has to overcome a number of setbacks, including difficult Actors, unpredictable weather and the logistics of getting a boat over a mountain, all with the determination of realizing Herzog’s vision. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/docseries_burdenofdreams-0925

Director Benny Safdie discusses his new film, The Smashing Machine, with fellow Director Christopher Nolan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actors Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt to summon the performances he wanted, collaborating with his composer to craft a jazz score that followed the film’s emotional beats, and how he used his cinematography to capture the interior emotions of his characters. The film tells the true story of, Mark Kerr, a former collegiate wrestler who became a mixed-martial artist and UFC champion during the early, unregulated days of MMA. As he contends with depression, a painkiller addiction, and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend, he continues his meteoric rise in the burgeoning sport. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/smashingmachine_qna_1025

Director Derek Cianfrance discusses his new film, Roofman, with fellow Director David Gordon Green in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of researching the story by consulting with the real Jeffrey Manchester in prison, working with production to recreate a period accurate Toys”R”Us from 2004, and how he aimed to capture the nostalgia of the early 2000s by choosing to film on 35mm. The film tells the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a charismatic criminal who goes into hiding on the roof of a Toys “R” Us. Adopting a new identity, he begins to form a relationship with one of the employees, jeopardizing his double life as his past closes in. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/roofman_qna_0925

Director Jay Roach discusses his new film, The Roses, with fellow Director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with his Actors to find the right balance of dark comedy and drama in the film, collaborating with his spouse and many other musical artists to craft a soundtrack that fit the film’s tone, and how he approached remaking a foreign film for American audiences that may not receive the content in a similar way. The film tells the story of Ivy and Theo, a couple living a seemingly ideal life with a loving marriage, successful careers and great kids. But when Theo’s career nosedives and Ivy’s ambitions take off, a tinderbox of hidden resentment and fierce competition ignites as the reality of their relationship bubbles to the surface. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/theroses_qna_0925

Director Paul Thomas Anderson discusses his new film, One Battle After Another, with fellow Director Steven Spielberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he worked with his Actors to bring to life the distinct characters they inhabited, why Vistavision was the best format to capture the story, and how he discovered the ending sequence by exploring the location. The film follows Bob Ferguson, a former militant now living a quiet life in hiding with his daughter Willa. When Willa goes missing, Bob must track her down with the help of his fellow revolutionaries and battle the consequences of his past. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/onebattleafteranother_qna_0925a

Director Rob Reiner discusses his new film, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, with fellow Director Paul Feig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of discovering the story in the edit through the Actors’ many improvisational takes, how he aims for a documentary-style feel by forgoing blocking and letting crew appear in the shots, and using real world inspiration of reuniting bands and going viral on the internet as pretext for a sequel. This follow up to the 1984 feature This is Spinal Tap finds documentarian Marty DiBergi once again shadowing the bandmates of Spinal Tap as they reunite after 15 years to put on one final show. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/spinaltap2_qna_0925

Director Christopher Leone discusses his new film, Code 3, with fellow Director Etan Cohen in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses collaborating with his co-Writer - who was once a real paramedic - to maintain accuracy, working with his effects team to create realistic wound portrayals, and finding the tone of the film having pulled inspiration from comedy and war films. The film tells the story of Randy, an overworked paramedic who is about to resign. While training his replacement on his the last 24-hour shift, their routine night quickly spirals into a chaotic, citywide odyssey as they race from one emergency to the next. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/code3_qna_0925

Director Bill Condon discusses his new film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, with fellow Director Greg Berlanti in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how the interpretations from previous adaptations influenced his vision, how he approached shooting the dream sequences in contrast to the prison scenes, and the complex choreography that went into staging the musical sequences with Actor Jennifer Lopez. This reimagining of the 1976 novel and Tony Award-wining Broadway musical tells the story of Valentín, a political prisoner who shares a cell with Molina, a gay window dresser convicted of public indecency. To escape the grim reality of their incarceration, Molina entertains Valentín by recounting the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/november2025/kissofthespiderwoman_qna_0925

Director Justin Tipping discusses his new film, Him, with fellow Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with his VFX team to create the x-ray scenes and their thematic function, the mixture of rehearsals and sports training he had his Actors go through to prepare for their roles, and putting consideration into the structures and locations of his settings to emphasize feelings of oppression and disorientation. The film tells the story of Cameron “Cam” Cade, a promising young football player who’s invited to train at the isolated compound of legendary quarterback Isaiah White. But things turn unsettling as White takes his protégé on a blood-chilling journey into the pursuit of excellence at all costs. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/him_qna_0925

Director Oliver Hermanus discusses his new film, The History of Sound, with fellow Director Mike Mills in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with his Actors to find little character details that speak to bigger aspects of their selves, how he walks his sets early in the days to discover opportunities for shots, and how working on his first American production differed from his past filmmaking experiences. The film tells the story of Lionel and David, who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of American culture in the shadow of World War I. But as they travel the American countryside in search of music, the two find love with one another instead. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/historyofsound_qna_0925

Director Anu Valia discusses her new film, We Strangers, with fellow Director Janicza Bravo in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses using the story to explore themes of power, class and loving oneself, working with Actor Kirby Howell-Baptiste to flesh out the protagonist, and collaborating with her Cinematographer to discover opportunities for shots while on-set. The film tells the story of Rayelle, a rural housekeeper who takes on a new and enigmatic job for a therapist client. But after she impulsively claims she can speak to the dead, Rayelle finds herself in an odd position of power and an ever-deepening web of deceit. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/westrangers_qna_0925

Director Tony Tost discusses his new film, Americana, with fellow Director Mimi Cave in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how the story structure was influenced by Westerns and nonlinear narratives like Pulp Fiction, how he worked with his cinematographer to achieve an analog 1970s aesthetic, and what he learned making this film as a first-time Director. The film follows a waitress with dreams of bigger and better things, who teams up with a military veteran to gain possession of a mysterious and valuable artifact. They soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal, an unrelenting Western antiquities dealer and an ever increasing list of pursuers as blood is shed to secure the relic. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/americana_qna_0825

Director Nisha Ganatra discusses her new film, Freakier Friday, with fellow Director Adele Lim in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses the uniquely complex rehearsal process involved in a body swap comedy, giving background characters prominent scenes so that every character is memorable, and filming in LA to utilize locations across the city while keeping production local. The follow-up to 2003’s Freaky Friday finds Tess and her daughter Anna navigating a shift in family dynamics with Anna’s daughter and stepdaughter. However, they soon discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/freakierfriday_qna_0825

Director Spike Lee discusses his new film, Highest 2 Lowest, with fellow Director Jim Jarmusch in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses working with his longtime collaborator Denzel Washington and trusting him with his process, packing the film’s mis-en-scene with references to African American artists, and the utilization of his trademark double dolly shot in this film in comparison to his other films. This reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low follows music titan David King as he works to save his flagging business. But when he’s targeted by a ransom plot which might jeopardize everything, he must make a high stakes decision that could have dire consequences. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/highest2lowest_qna_0825

Director Nick Rowland discusses his new film, She Rides Shotgun, with fellow Director Michael Mohan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses deliberately casting a younger Actor in the role of the father to shape the narrative around coming into parenthood, his process for Directing the lead child Actor in the film to get the right performances, and aiming for an aesthetic style reminiscent of 70s cinema. The film tells the story of Nathan McClusky, a former convict who makes enemies with a powerful criminal gang after getting out of prison. When the gang retaliates by putting out a hit on his family, Nate must transform his shy eleven-year-old daughter into a force to be reckoned with. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/october2025/sheridesshotgun_qna_0825

Director Matt Shakman discusses his new film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, with fellow Director Edward Zwick in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses favoring practical and 60’s-style effects to align with the retro futuristic style of the film, working with his storyboard artist for inspiration to come up with playful concepts for scenes, and starting with the family element as the core of the story and building a superhero narrative around it. The film follows the team of heroes - Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing - as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their family lives with their roles as heroes, they must defend Earth from the ravenous space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/september2025/thefantasticfourfirst-steps_0825

Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady discusses their new film, Folktales, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the logistics of filming in the unpredictable daylight and wilderness of Norway, creating scenes by finding inspiration in the nature around them, and forging trust as well as capturing formative moments with their teen subjects. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows a class of teenagers who take a gap year to learn wilderness survival and dog sledding in the frozen Norwegian landscape. Guided by their teachers and a pack of Alaskan huskies, they discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/september2025/docseries_folktales-073125

Director Derick Halliman discusses his new film, Life of Mike, with fellow Director Christine Swanson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses finding depth in a complex and disillusioned main character, favoring small casts and sets for tight control of his environment, and serving multiple roles as the Director, Co-Producer, Writer and Cinematographer of the film. The film tells the story of Mike Smith, a thriving real estate tycoon, who lives a life devoid of close friends or family. As his birthday unfolds, his wife makes a heartfelt attempt to show him love, setting off a chain of events that make him confront the reality of who genuinely cares for him and who doesn’t. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/september2025/lifeofmike_qna_0725

Director Ari Aster discusses his new film, Eddington, with fellow Director Tim Blake Nelson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses finding inspiration for the film in the information spheres of Twitter, interviewing residents of New Mexico on their perspectives of events during the Covid-19 pandemic, and gradually progressing the sense of paranoia in the film until the line between reality and perception is blurred. The film takes us back to May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when a clash over lockdowns and mask mandates polarizes the town of Eddington, New Mexico. When Sheriff Joe Cross gets fed up with the increasing political tensions, he decides to run for Mayor in what ends up being a tense, turbulent and eventually violent mayoral campaign. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/september2025/eddington_qna_0725

Director Gabriel Mascaro discusses his new film, O Último Azul, with fellow Director Lily Mariye in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses crafting a dystopian future that speculates on change in societal practices over technological advancement, finding real-life inspiration for the film in his grandparents’ life, and the rigorous attention to detail that went into the film’s sound design. The film tells the story of 77-year-old Tereza, who has lived her whole life in a small industrial town in Brazil. When she receives an official government order to relocate to a senior housing colony, Tereza decides to take a journey that will fulfill one last wish before her freedom is taken away. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/gcs_o-ultimo-azul_0625

Director Dean DeBlois discusses his new film, How to Train Your Dragon, with fellow Director Phil Lord in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses taking lessons from his background in animation to give his characters defining appearances, utilizing puppeteers to give life to the on-set dragon for stronger performances, and using the remake as an opportunity to flesh out more detail in the characters and setting. This live action remake of the animated hit tells the story of an inventive young Viking named Hiccup, who must face a test and fight his village’s deadly draconic nemesis. But instead of battling the dragon, Hiccup befriends it, and their bond becomes the key to forging a new future as an ancient threat endangers them all. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/how2trainyourdragon_qna_0625

Director Joseph Kosinski discusses his new film, F1 The Movie, with fellow Director Dan Gilroy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses traveling the world for coverage of the real F1 race tracks, consulting with drivers to capture a faithful perspective during the racing sequences, and working with Composer Hans Zimmer for a soundtrack that could work in unison with the volume of an F1 event. The film tells the story of Sonny Hayes, a once promising driver who was sidelined after an accident decades ago. Coaxed out of retirement to mentor the hotshot rookie prodigy of a struggling F1 team, Sonny rides his road to redemption. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/f1-themovie_qna_0625

Director James Madigan discusses his new film, Fight or Flight, with fellow Director Rawson Marshall Thurber in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses aiming for the right tonal mixture in action-violence and comedy, working with Actor Josh Hartnett on stunt choreography within a limited rehearsal period, and casting supporting Actors by feeling out their connection to their roles. The film tells the story of disgraced American operative Lucas Reyes offered one last shot at redemption: locate and ID an elusive target known as “The Ghost” on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. But when he finds the plane is filled with elite assassins who have orders to eliminate them both, Reyes and his target must team up to protect themselves. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/fightorflight_qna_0625

Director Celine Song discusses her new film, Materialists, with fellow Director Mona Fastvold in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how the film was inspired by her own time as a matchmaker, the differences in dating culture values across countries that contributed to crafting the narrative, and how the process of casting the right Actors for her roles mirrored the matchmaker theme of the film. The film tells the story of Lucy, a successful New York City matchmaker who maintains that she will only marry a wealthy man. But when she becomes entangled in a romantic triangle with Harry, a charming billionaire, and her ex-boyfriend John, she finds her plans are not so clear cut. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/materialists_qna_0625

Director Daniel Minahan discusses his new film, On Swift Horses, with fellow Director Mary Harron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses establishing the 1950s time period while avoiding tropes from other films set in the 50s, utilizing gambling as a metaphor for queerness within the film’s language, and the choreography and rehearsal that went into creating the intimacy scenes. The film tells the story of Muriel and Lee, who leave their Kansas home to start a family and a new life in San Diego. But their plans are upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past who draws Muriel down a new and dangerous path. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/onswifthorses_qna_0525

Director Jon Avnet discusses his new film, The Last Rodeo, with fellow Director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses giving his Actors space to find their characters in emotionally-charged scenes, working with his Cinematographer and Editor to create captivating rodeo action scenes, and the logistics and stunt work that went into the bull riding sequences. The film tells the story of Joe, a retired rodeo star who enters a high-stakes bull-riding competition to save his grandson. Along the way, he reconciles with his estranged daughter and proves that true courage is found in the fight for family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/thelastrodeo_qna_0525

Director Rachel Feldman discusses her new film, Lilly, with fellow Director Amber Sealey in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses consulting the real Lilly Ledbetter in order to find the focuses of the film, utilizing archival footage to ground the story alongside the real events, and how her own filmmaking journey aligned with Lilly’s struggles in the film. Based on the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, the film follows a factory worker who discovers her company has been paying her half of what her male collegues receive. Seeking justice, she begins a long and historic fight for equality spanning all the way to Washington DC. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/july2025/lilly_qna_0525

Directors Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim, accompanied by DiMarco’s interpreter Grey Van Pelt, discusses their new film, Deaf President Now!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss expressing the sensory content of the film with both a Deaf and hearing audience in mind, interviewing subjects in one-on-one dialogues to pull out individual sentiments surrounding the event, and working with a wealth of archival materials to gain an understanding of how the days of protest unfolded. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film recounts eight tumultuous days during which students from the world’s only liberal arts school serving the deaf and hard-of-hearing lead an angry protest to change the course of history. When Gallaudet University’s board of trustees appoints a hearing president who doesn’t know American Sign Language over several qualified Deaf candidates, the students take to the streets to speak out. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/docseries_deafpresidentnow-0525

Director Ryan Coogler discusses his new film, Sinners, with fellow Director Rachel Morrison in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses employing historical consultants to find authenticity in every niche of the film, how he collaborated with Composer and Executive Producer Ludwig Göransson to elevate the film with a distinct musicality, and how he came to the conclusion of using 70mm film to accentuate the sprawling, flat and isolating aspects of the southern setting. In this fusion of gothic horror and 1930s Mississippi history, the film follows twins Smoke and Stack, who plan to open a new juke joint in their hometown. But as the pieces come together and their opening night begins, they find themselves confronted not only by the dangers of Jim Crow-era southern life but also a lurking undead menace. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/sinners_qna_0525

Director Andrew Ahn discusses his new film, The Wedding Banquet, with fellow Director Daniel Kwan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with the Screenwriter of the original film, updating the story to reflect contemporary LGBTQ+ attitudes while staying faithful to the original plot, and how he and his Actors utilized inventive techniques for discovering their characters on set. This remake of the 1993 film tells the story of Min, a gay man hoping to stay in the country and avoid being dragged into his family business. Proposing a green card marriage to his lesbian friend Angela, things soon get complicated when his grandmother surprises them with plans for an extravagant Korean wedding banquet. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/theweddingbanquet_qna_0425

Directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden discusses their new film, Freaky Tales, with fellow Director Shaz Bennett in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the real-life events that influenced the stories, using distinct visual styles and camera aspect ratios to differentiate each story chapter, and utilizing real locations and cameos from Oakland-born figures to cement the authenticity of the work. The film weaves together the seemingly disparate sagas of an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teenage punks, neo-Nazis and a debt collector as they embark on a collision course in 1987 Oakland, California. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/freakytales_qna_0425

Director Gavin O’Connor discusses his new film, The Accountant 2, with fellow Director Dan Gilroy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with his Actors to find more opportunities for humor, building out the scope of the film to expand on the world within the story, and aiming for an entirely different look and tone to create a fresh experience separate from the first installment. The film tells the story of Christian Wolff, hired again to use his brilliant mind and highly lethal skillset to solve the puzzling murder of a Treasury Chief. Though a danger in his own right, this time he enlists the help of his equally lethal estranged brother as they uncover a deadly conspiracy full of ruthless killers and buried secrets. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/accountant2_qna_0425

Directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel discusses their new film, The Friend, with fellow Director Gail Mancuso in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss working with Actors Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, the consideration that went into changes from the source material to the film, and working with a dog trainer to achieve emotional performances from their mastiff actor. The film tells the story of Iris, a solitary writer who inherits a great dane once belonging to a late friend. At first creating problems for Iris, she finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the mastiff, gradually coming to terms with her lost friend and own creative inner life. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/thefriend_qna_0425

Director Ami Canaan Mann discusses her new film, Audrey’s Children, with fellow Director Brad Silberling in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses using specific lenses and mis-en-scene to capture the interior thought process of the main character, working with child Actors in order to capture serious performances, and incorporating soft hints of the romance genre in the relationship between two of her leads to foreshadow their real-life relationship. The film tells the story of Dr. Audrey Evans, who in 1969 was the first woman to assume the Chief of Oncology title at the world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Battling sexism, the subterfuge of her peers and medical conventions of the time, she develops revolutionary treatments and co-founds the first Ronald McDonald House, impacting millions of lives worldwide. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/audreyschildren_qna_0425

Director James Hawes discusses his new film, The Amateur, with fellow Director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses insisting on the protagonist being geeky, clumsy, charming and smart to reflect his novice, utilizing his camera to capture the main character’s degrading perspective as the story unfolds, and how previously working on the show Black Mirror informed aspects of this film. The film tells the story of Charlie Heller, a brilliant CIA decoder whose world comes crashing down after his wife dies in a London terrorist attack. When his supervisors refuse to act due to conflicting internal priorities, he utilizes his intelligence as the ultimate weapon and travels across the globe to hunt down those responsible. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/May2025/The-Amateur_QnA_0425

Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen discusses their new film, Novocaine, with fellow Director Drew Hancock in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss taking notes from 80s and 90s action movies to straddle the tonal line between comedy and action, their inspirations for casting Actors Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder in the lead roles, and finding a fighting style for a character not of your typical action hero makeup. The film tells the story of Nathan Caine, a man born with the rare condition where he is physically incapable of feeling pain. When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped by gun-wielding bank robbers, he turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/May2025/Novocaine_QnA_0325

Director Bong Joon Ho, accompanied by his translator Sharon Choi, discusses his new film, Mickey 17, with fellow Director Ava DuVernay in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how his storyboarding process covered every shot, how he approached having a love story for the first time, and the resonance of the film’s social themes with worldwide audiences. The film tells the story of Mickey Barnes, an everyman hired by a tyrannical government to work as an “expendable” - a human clone willing to die for one dangerous mission after another. Repeatedly meeting his end for the advancement of space exploration, the 17th Mickey survives a seemingly fatal expedition and comes face to face with a new problem: Mickey 18. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/May2025/Mickey17_QnA_0325

Director Josh Ruben discusses his new film, Heart Eyes, with fellow Director Zelda Williams in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses balancing the tone of romantic comedy and horror while not trying to betray them, the behind the scenes of special effects work that went into the kills, and the creation and influences of the killer’s look. The film follows Ally, a cynical ad executive, and her hopelessly romantic colleague, Jay. After a meeting-turned-date, they accidentally become the next target of “Heart Eyes,” a masked maniac with glowing, red eyes who returns every Valentine’s Day to slaughter unsuspecting couples, and must fight for their survival. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/April2025/HeartEyes_QnA_0325

In a special Anniversary Series discussion, Director Martin Scorsese discusses his film, After Hours, with Actor Griffin Dunne and fellow Director Raymond De Felitta in a screening at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Scorsese discusses original concepts for the film’s end, how he aimed to find humor in the film by playing it seriously, and the change in reception as time went on. The film tells the story of Paul Hackett, an office drone who has a romantic encounter with a girl in a Manhattan café and agrees to visit her Soho apartment. The seemingly simple trip descends into a series of awkward, surreal and life-threatening situations with a colorful cast of characters as Paul spends the rest of the night trying to return uptown. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/April2025/ERSP_AnniversarySeries_AfterHours_0325

Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 34th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/March2025/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2025