This year’s highly anticipated Directors Close-Up – our signature program celebrating the art and craft of directing – will feature eight online sessions and three in-person events at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.

The series will feature conversations focused on directors, writers and creators nominated at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Each year, an impressive lineup of artists from the world of independent film and television takes part in the DCU, and this year will be no exception. View the official Directors Close-Up schedule for more details.

Details regarding the Directors Close-Up are listed below, and please note…

To experience the DCU in its entirety, separate registrations are required for the online and in-person portions of the series. Use the links provided (or the buttons at the top of this page) to get started. See you at the DCU!
 

DCU Online

New for 2024, the online portion of the Directors Close-Up is completely free, exclusively for Film Independent Members.

The eight online sessions will take place every Wednesday, January 17 – February 7, at 12:00 pm PT and 5:30 pm PT. Each will highlight a unique Spirit Awards category, and only Members will have the opportunity to tune in live and join the discussion by submitting questions to the panelists.

Not a Member? Join now.

DCU Online Registration

DCU at the DGA

We’re excited to bring the Directors Close-Up to the Directors Guild of America for three in-person sessions, including our traditional panel of Spirit Awards Best Director nominees, as well as two in-depth conversations with esteemed filmmakers working outside the indie realm.

Taking place February 12, 21 and March 1 at 7:30 pm PT, each evening includes free parking and a hosted reception, giving attendees multiple opportunites to make new connections, talk shop and, of course, discuss their predictions for the Spirit Awards.

FREE for Arts Circle Members
$79 for Filmmaker Pro and Film Lover Members
$99 for General Members
$129 for non-Members

DCU at the DGA Registration

Don’t forget…

For the full Directors Close-Up 2024 experience, complete separate registrations for both DCU Online and DCU at the DGA.

Please note: If you are joining or renewing, please allow up to one business day for your Membership to be processed. Individuals who purchase passes after 8:00 am PT on January 15 are not guaranteed live access to the first virtual event of the series. Masks are optional for in-person events. All aspects of the Director’s Close-Up series (schedule, format, participants, etc.) are subject to change without prior notice.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.