Daniels with moderator Terry George in New York

On November 8, the DGA Ethnic Diversity Steering Committee hosted a Q&A with Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) following the New York membership screening of his new film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The film tells the story of a horribly abused Harlem teenager who finds herself overweight, illiterate, angry and pregnant with her second child from being raped. Overlooked by the system, she finds a final chance for life when she enrolls in an alternative high school program where she learns self-esteem. Director Terry George (Reservation Road) served as moderator of the discussion that took place in New York. Daniels also discussed the film In Los Angeles on November 4, where Director John Singleton (Shaft) served as moderator. - photos by Howard Wise (Los Angeles) and Hilary Steffens (New York)/print courtesy of Lionsgate

Director Mira Nair (The Namesake; Vanity Fair; Monsoon Wedding) discussed the making of her new feature film Amelia, after the New York screening on October 24. The biopic stars Hilary Swank as the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, whose disappearance during an attempted round-the-world flight in 1937 is a mystery that endures to this day. Director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Brokeback Mountain) served as moderator of the discussion. - photos by Hilary Steffens/print courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures