FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (September 27, 2023) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, announced that the winners of the 2024 Emerging Filmmaker Awards – three filmmakers who will each receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant – will be announced at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch, taking place on Sunday, January 6 at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, CA.

Every year, exceptional emerging filmmakers are acknowledged by the Spirit Awards, with nominees and winners chosen by committee. The three awards are: The Someone to Watch Award, recognizing talented narrative filmmakers of singular vision who have not yet received appropriate recognition; The Producers Award, presented by Official Spirit Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, honoring emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films; and the Truer Than Fiction Award, presented to an emerging director of nonfiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. Past winners include Mollye Asher, Jessica Beshir, Elegance Bratton, Mel Eslyn, Debra Granik, Nikyatu Jusu, Gerry Kim, Shaka King, Bing Liu, Kelly Reichardt, Lizzie Shapiro and Chloé Zhao, to list a few.

“The Emerging Filmmaker Awards are an essential part of the Spirit Awards, recognizing remarkable new talent in both directing and producing,” said Josh Welsh, Film Independent President. “We’re excited to share who the recipients of these awards will be when we announce them on January 6.”

Film and television submissions for the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards are being accepted through October 6. The Spirit Awards and Emerging Filmmaker Awards Nominees will be announced on December 5, on Film Independent’s YouTube, Facebook and X channels. Winners will be revealed at the ceremony taking place Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Santa Monica. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round slate of programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Film Independent Members comprise the exclusive voting body that determines the winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Members are filmmakers, film industry leaders and film lovers. Anyone passionate about film can join at filmindependent.org/join to be eligible to vote for the winners of the Spirit Awards and receive full nominee screening privileges. Vision Media is the Exclusive Screening Partner of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. To learn more about voting and Membership, please contact Evan Ward-Henninger at eward-henninger@filmindependent.org.

Please visit spiritawards.com for additional details, including submission and eligibility guidelines.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate Walker D’Angelo at 323 556 9352 or kwalker@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent, please contact Jennifer Murby at 323 556 9353 or jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.