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REEL SISTERS launches with its first event
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The launch event was made possible with the support of award-winning, post-house 750PMH and production company FRIEND.
REEL SISTERS launched last week with its first event, introducing a new platform created to connect and support women across the industry.
The evening was hosted by Olivia Ray, Executive Producer at award-winning post house 750PMH. A long-time advocate for female talent, Ray guided the audience through each conversation of the night, introducing a lineup of inspiring speakers.
The talks began with director Nicolee Tsin, who reflected on her unconventional journey into filmmaking. Originally from Hong Kong, Tsin explained how her career started in graphic design, where her instinct for art direction first developed. From running on set to working in camera rental, she explored nearly every corner of production before finding her place as a director. It took her a few steps to get there but Tsin’s advice to someone in the audience was simple: always remain a student. She spoke about the importance of enjoying the journey, it being ok when you don’t know something and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to help. For Tsin, that openness to learning is what ultimately makes people successful, as seen in her great work with Bao, Wagamama and HOKO.
In the same vein, the evening’s next speaker, DOP Diara Sow, reinforced the importance of building strong and supportive teams. Sow spoke about how the era of the “shouting DOP” is over, emphasising instead the value of calm leadership and creating environments where people genuinely enjoy working together. For her, the best creative collaborations come from spaces where everyone feels comfortable and respected. She also touched on the lack of representation female DOPs have historically faced, while acknowledging the progress now being made in the industry. Referencing Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s recent successes as a major milestone, Sow noted how visible achievements like these encourage younger generations of women to consider careers behind the camera. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared that she never assisted a female DOP early in her career, but now mentors two emerging creatives herself, hopeful that the industry will continue moving forward.
The evening concluded with creative duo The G/Jems (currently at BBH), Gemina Gil Flores and Jemma Burgess, who discussed the evolution of their partnership and brand identity. Despite studying together at SCA, the pair had never collaborated until a tutor pointed out how well their names worked side by side, sparking the creation of “The G/Jems” (and yes, that's how they sign their emails). As they explained, “It’s not a creative team, it’s a brand.” Known for their distinctive merchandise, visual identity, and values, the duo have built a recognisable presence that extends beyond traditional creative partnerships.
They spoke candidly about the realities of working so closely together, with Flores reflecting on the cultural differences she has had to navigate throughout her career, joking about learning how to give feedback in a slightly less “French way.” Burgess also opened up about living with ADHD and how it influences her professional relationships, something she noted is still rarely discussed openly within the industry. Answering a question about imposter syndrome, she left the audience with a memorable piece of advice: “Believe, believe, believe in yourself every time; you have a seat at the table for a reason.” The duo brought a witty, honest, and inspiring perspective to the conversation, offering thoughtful advice on building creative careers today.
The evening was defined by a strong sense of community, bringing together women at every stage of their careers to connect, share experiences, and support one another. REEL SISTERS was founded on the idea of women owning and nurturing their own creative community, and this first event marked the beginning of what promises to become a much larger network. With ambitions extending beyond events alone, the organisation hopes to continue creating opportunities for women in the industry to connect and grow together.
The launch event was made possible with the support of award-winning, post-house 750PMH and production company FRIEND.
