An acclaimed film director and producer, she gained recognition for her groundbreaking work on "Desert Hearts" (1985), a landmark in lesbian cinema. Born in San Francisco, she studied at UCLA and developed her craft through documentaries, including "Woman to Woman." Her storytelling often explores themes of love, identity, and social justice. Beyond film, she has directed episodes of notable TV series like "NYPD Blue" and "The Women of Brewster Place," showcasing her versatility and commitment to diverse narratives.