As we previously reported, this year’s Tribeca Film Festival established a new award in honor of the late, great Nora Ephron that would be given to a new emerging female filmmaker.

Writer/Director Meera Menon was awarded the inaugural Nora Ephron Prize for her film, Farah Goes Bang. Menon will receive a $25,000 prize. Menon’s film follows Farah and her group of friends as they travel across the country to campaign for John Kerry during the 2004 Presidential election. While the group travels, Farah hopes that she’ll finally have the opportunity to lose her virginity. 

Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the film festival, spoke about Menon’s win.

We’re thrilled to highlight Meera’s work with this special award. We were impressed with her fresh, witty, and smart take on a coming of age story about girlfriends, passions and politics. Her film captures the spirit and themes of Nora’s work. I’m proud to continue Nora’s legacy through this award and continue to encourage women filmmakers to create the work that inspires them.

Menon also commented about receiving the award.

As a filmmaker I had always been inspired by Nora, she emblematized how to take pain and suffering and turn them into laughter and joy. Those qualities inspired me and my co-filmmakers. Receiving this incredible honor in her name means more than I could ever articulate. Tribeca has been such a special experience and the lady love is resounding,

The Tribeca Film Festival runs through April 28th.