Girls Inc. of Los Angeles launch new anthem film
Girls Inc. of Los Angeles taps UNIT9 to create celebratory anthem film for annual benefit.
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Girls Inc. of Los Angeles is the leading organisation dedicated to equipping girls with the tools and confidence to reach their full potential.
At the heart of their Fourth Annual LA Girls Rise benefit is a powerful film directed by UNIT9 Film’s co-founder Michelle Craig, a moving portrait of transformation, resilience, and leadership.
The film debuted at the benefit, followed by Girls Inc. LA’s social platforms, offering the 400+ attendees an intimate look into the lives of the communities Girls Inc. serves, moving beyond statistics and formalities to highlight real voices and meaningful impact. Featuring Jozlyn, Alison, and Samantha, three young women who have grown up in the Girls Inc. LA program, the film captures their journeys with honesty and heart. Their stories, paired with copy written by Craig herself, create a compelling soundtrack that brings the mission of Girls Inc. vividly to life.
Rather than relying on talking points, the film lets the girls speak for themselves, sharing what it means to be supported, seen, and empowered. Now ninth-graders, Jozlyn, Alison, and Samantha reflect on their beginnings in middle school and look ahead to the future, imagining how they’ll continue to lead and inspire as change makers.
Credits
View on-
- Production Company UNIT9/USA
- Director Michelle (MICH) Craig
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Credits
View on- Production Company UNIT9/USA
- Director Michelle (MICH) Craig
- Executive Producer Pia-Louise Lauritsen
- Director of Production Mindy Lubert
- Line Producer Rania Hattar
- Producer Sam Purdy
- Production Designer Rene Vas
- DP Gary Long
- Editor Alex Burt
- Colorist Dan Moran
- Music Supervisor Sophie Urquhart
Explore full credits, grab hi-res stills and more on shots Vault
Credits
powered by- Production Company UNIT9/USA
- Director Michelle (MICH) Craig
- Executive Producer Pia-Louise Lauritsen
- Director of Production Mindy Lubert
- Line Producer Rania Hattar
- Producer Sam Purdy
- Production Designer Rene Vas
- DP Gary Long
- Editor Alex Burt
- Colorist Dan Moran
- Music Supervisor Sophie Urquhart
Craig’s direction is both intimate and cinematic, capturing the girls dancing, embracing, and delivering heartfelt reflections directly to camera. They are framed not just as subjects, but as strong, intelligent, and bold protagonists in charge of their own stories. Amplifying the film’s anthemic spirit, musician Self Esteem contributed her track Focus Is Power, while actress Fiona Rene (Lincoln Lawyer, Tracker) lends her voice to the film’s evocative narration.
“Erin Ross, the CEO of Girls Inc. LA, didn’t hand over a brief; she handed us her belief,” remarks Craig. “It echoed loudly in my heart. Years ago, when I co-founded UNIT9 Films, our first investments weren’t music videos, they were cause-driven pieces for Save the Children and Greenpeace. That instinct is still alive in me. And this film for Girls Inc. reminded me that doing meaningful work doesn’t just make a difference for the cause, it re-energises the people making it. It reminded me why we’re in this industry in the first place. When the ‘yes’ is right, it resonates far beyond the screen.”
Erin Ross adds, “At Girls Inc. LA, we always want to tell stories about our girls’ strengths and not the systemic barriers that can hold them back. Michelle embraced that throughout the entire process- leaning into the girls’ personalities and talents. Michelle created such an incredible atmosphere for the girls to feel comfortable in front of the camera and be themselves. I can’t wait for our champions to see this film.”
