UK writer-director Debs Paterson was recently honored with the first-ever Pia Pressure Award.

Pia Pressure is a production company launched last year by filmmaker Pia Getty (“Axis of Light”). According to Variety, the production company aims to “[elevate] emerging talent, female filmmakers and filmmakers from under represented backgrounds.”

The awards are an initiative that provide funding and support to filmmakers in exchange for their work as mentors to new filmmakers. Paterson and fellow recipient Johnny Kenton will also be expected to be part of the selection committee for the next batch of award winners. Currently, Paterson serves as mentor to new filmmakers at Raindance and Film London.

Paterson and Denton each received $35,600 to fund their projects. Paterson is working on her upcoming feature “Thin Air,” based on real events involving a female war reporter caught behind enemy lines.

Paterson was nominated for best debut director at the British Independent Film Awards for her first film, “Africa United.” The comedy-drama follows a group of Rwandan children who travel thousands of miles to attend the South African World Cup.

[via Variety]