THE 3rd Annual
AIR Unsigned Diverse Directors Showcase

Presented by the AIR diversity in talent committee

&

sponsored by Simian

We’re proud to announce the TOP 5 for the 3rd Annual AIR Unsigned Diverse Directors Showcase

Jillian Iscaro | Esteban “Steven” Petersen | Jorge Arana | ZAPATA | Anjali Nayar

At the live virtual event on Monday May 20th, the DIT Committee introduced the winning directors, screened their work and moderated a robust Q+A to an audience of AIR members, production company EPs, ad agency heads of production, ad biz press and other industry professionals.

You can catch up on the event with the recording below.

 

The annual showcase is steered by AIR’s Diversity In Talent Committee. This year the committee partnered with community organizations including ADCOLOR, Free The Work, Black In Film and Creative Cypher to help champion diverse directors and participate in the judging process. These partnerships underscore AIR’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.

We received over 60 submissions from talented directors across the United States which were pared down to the “Sweet Sixteen” finalists and winnowed to the TOP 5 by our esteemed panel of judges.

Each of the five directors will receive an online masterclass and bonus course, courtesy of Jordan Brady of True Gentleman and his Commercial Directing Film School.

Please direct all inquiries about the Showcase and the directors to: diversityintalent@airemail.org

About the 3rd Annual Diverse Directors Showcase TOP 5

Jillian Iscaro is a Brooklyn-based director, producer, and editor who combines her fine arts background with dream-inspired visuals. She founded Moonland.tv and has worked with brands like Spotify, Nike, and Levi’s.

Esteban “Steven” Petersen (Los Angeles) is a dynamic director known for his focus on cultural narratives and authentic representation in commercials, short films, and documentaries.

Jorge Arana (Chicago), originally from Mexico City, has over 20 years of experience in live TV production, advertising, and content creation, crafting visually compelling and emotionally resonant films.

ZAPATA (Chicago) is a director and editor with 15 years of experience, known for his commitment to authenticity and diversity, and his unique approach to working with animals and children.

Anjali Nayar (Los Angeles) is an Indian-Canadian director and climate scientist whose work includes commercials for Chipotle and Amazon and documentaries supported by Sundance and Tribeca. She founded TIMBY, a social justice platform, and teaches at Cornell University.