Los Angeles, CA, May 12, 2025 — 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.
“Erin Ross—the CEO of Girls Inc. LA—didn’t hand over a brief; she handed us her belief,” remarks Michelle 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-energizes 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.”
UNIT9: Making brands famous since ’97, UNIT9 is a global production & innovation partner with the sole mission of creating astounding films and experiences at the intersection of impeccable craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and world-class storytelling.
Built from a multidisciplinary team of visionaries, they are skilled across: Film, Virtual and Hybrid Experiences, Augmented Reality, Product Design, Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Digital, Gaming and Experience Design.
