UNIT9’s Michelle Craig Directs Powerful Portrait of Empowerment for Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. of Los Angeles is the leading organization 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 changemakers.

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.

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