Time for RadhaMUSPrime to start penning a celebratory rap. The Sundance Institute has named Radha Blank, the writer, director, and star of “The 40-Year-Old Version,” as the recipient of the 2020 Vanguard Award. The annual prize is presented “to an artist whose work highlights the art of storytelling and creative independence,” according to a press release.
Blank will receive the honor December 2, at a virtual ceremony hosted on community platform Sundance Collab. Octavia Spencer, who advised Blank during “The Forty-Year-Old Version’s” development at the Institute’s Labs, will attend, as will last year’s Vanguard winner, “The Farewell” writer-director Lulu Wang. The free, public event will also feature a conversation between Blank and Wang.
Blank’s feature directorial debut, “The Forty-Year-Old Version” sees a struggling playwright reinventing herself as a rapper on the eve of her 40th birthday. It made its world premiere at Sundance in January, where Blank won the Directing Award, U.S. Dramatic. Blank is also up for two Gotham Awards for the comedy: Best Screenplay and the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award.
“Radha’s singular vision, unique voice, and comedic tone were immediately captivating,” said Sundance Feature Film Program Founding Director Michelle Satter. “We were proud to offer Rahda the time and space to grow her skills as a writer, director, and actor at our Labs. She developed the script with the support of enthusiastic advisors and her creative process was as gratifying to watch as getting to see the premiere at the most recent Sundance Film Festival.”
“It’s a thrill to be acknowledged by my Sundance Institute family, who’ve been behind me from the very beginning of the journey for this film. They provided support of my vision, development of my voice in the screenwriting and directing labs – where I not only received vital mentorship but also cultivated a fellowship with other filmmakers who, just like the wonderful champions at Sundance, will be a cherished part of my life and career from here until forever,” Blank stated. “Thanks so much Sundance for seeing me, and lifting me up for my first film. Receiving this award affirms my path as a director, and is one hell of a way to begin my career. Thank you!”
Marielle Heller (“Diary of a Teenage Girl”) and Dee Rees (“Mudbound”) are among the previous Vanguard Award honorees.
“The Forty-Year-Old Version” is available to stream on Netflix. Blank has previously written for “She’s Gotta Have It” and “Empire.” Also a playwright, her productions include “Seed” and “American Schemes.”
In an interview with Women and Hollywood, Blank offered this advice to female filmmakers: “Surround yourself with people who can affirm your voice and power. People who won’t expect you to shrink or apologize for your talent, position, or opportunity. I feel like society constantly does this to women — asks them to keep earning their spot or being grateful for an opportunity to tell a story when we just want to fucking work. I don’t see this happen as often with my male counterparts.” She continued, “Also, you will need your entire backbone to pull this shit off. Though women have been conditioned to play the supporting role in this world, you must believe in your ability to not only complete your film but to lead others in helping you to do so.”
