On Campus News

Columbia Continues Streak at Spirit Awards

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Dec 26, 2012, 22:10

The announcement of the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Award nominations have once again highlighted the many achievements of Columbia Film students, alumni and faculty.

Writer/Director Rebecca Thomas (4th year Directing) has been nominated for the 19th Annual Someone To Watch Award for her film Electrick Children. The award focuses on a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received recognition and includes a $25,000 grant. Thomas collaborated with producer Jessica Caldwell (4th year Producing), post supervisor Andrew Hauser ('12 SOA), pre-production coordinator Elisa Lleras ('12 SOA), digital imaging technician David Figueroa (5th year Directing), art director Berkley Brady (4th year Directing), and director's assistant Luigi Campi (5th year Directing).

Gimme the Loot, produced by Jamund Washington ('10 SOA) and edited by Morgan Faust ('11 SOA), nabbed a nomination for Best First Feature. The film follows two champion graffiti artists who must coordinate a delicate scheme to fulfill their vendetta against a rival gang.

Keep the Lights On, directed by adjunct Ira Sachs and produced by Ali Betil (4th year Directing), boasts four nominations: Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Feature, and Best Male Lead. Keep the Lights On centers around the relationship between a filmmaker and a closeted lawyer. Steven Winsley (5th year Directing) served as directing intern during production.

In addition to the minds behind the nominated films, the talent in them has also attracted the attention of the Spirit Awards. Mary Elizabeth Winstead's performance in Smashed by James Ponsoldt ('05 SOA) has scored her a Best Female Lead nomination. Thure Lindhart has also been nominated for his role as Erik in Ira Sachs' Keep the Lights On, along with Wendell Pierce who has received a nomination for his performance in Four, written and directed by Joshua Sanchez ('04 SOA). In collaboration with Sanchez, associate producer Andrew Hauser ('12 SOA), cinematographer Gregg Conde ('12 SOA), editor David Gutnik ('12 SOA), and DIT David Figueroa (5th year Directing) worked on the production of Four.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today's independent filmmakers. The 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will air Saturday, February 23, 2013 on IFC at 10PM EST.

Resources:

http://www.arts.columbia.edu