Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of the death of director/writer/actress Adrienne Shelly and in remembrance of this day, the Foundation named for her which supports women directors and run by her husband Andy Ostroy is launching the first Annual Woman of Vision Salute event at the Museum of Modern Art this evening.
Ostroy has worked tirelessly to keep Adrienne’s memory and vision alive and here is what he had to say about the work of the Foundation:
Since 2007 we’ve awarded 25 grants and scholarships through our partners, who include the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Film Institute, AFI, Columbia University, Boston University, IFP, Women in Film, Rooftop Films and the Nantucket Film Festival. We’re very proud of these grantees, and even have among them Cynthia Wade, 2008 Oscar winner for her documentary, Freeheld, which ASF helped fund. Long term, our goal is to appreciably increase the funds we generate, expand our partnerships and provide financial assistance to many more talented women.
Director Nicole Holofcener is the first receipient of the award and she will be in NY this evening for a screening of Lovely and Amazing and for a q and a with Catherine Keener following the screenings.
The Fondation will also give out its IFP Director’s Grant which helps female directors with production funds, film school scholarships and/or finishing funds.
You can help support the Foundation’s work through their e-bay auction through November 11 here.
Here’s a comment from Nicole Holofcener about this event:
Until we can stop calling ourselves women directors and just be directors, I will be grateful to be one of the very lucky few and honored to be connected to Adrienne in any way. She represents a wonderfully independent and unique voice, regardless of her gender.
If you doubt the effect the Foundation is having, just note that winner Dee Rees’ film Pariah is opening on December 28 and Maryam Keshavarz’s film Circumstance opened this past summer.
