 |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WOODSTOCK FILM
FESTIVAL HONORS FILMMAKER
MAV·ER·ICK, adj. 1. Being independent in thought and action or exhibiting such independence. 2. One who refuses to abide by the dictates of a group. (Woodstock, New York) September 21, 2004 — The 2004 Woodstock Film Festival, celebrating its 5th anniversary Oct 13-17, today announced its annual Honorary Maverick Award will be presented to the illustrious director, writer, producer Mira Nair, a fearless explorer of the human heart. “The Maverick has long been a symbol of the Woodstock arts colony, representing an individual whose life and work is based on independent vision and social activism, “said WFF director and co-founder Meira Blaustein,“We are so proud to honor the work of Mira Nair, who fearlessly combines independence and risk-taking with social consciousness and continues the tradition of those who make feelings visible, who make sense out of sensations, who shine light into darkness.” "To be a maverick, to be recognized for being fiercely independent is a great honor. Freedom to express myself my way is an imperative for my work — it is the only way I know,” said Ms. Nair in a statement upon accepting the designation. In addition to receiving the Honorary Maverick Award on Saturday Oct. 16, Nair’s work will be the focus of a panel, FROM MISSISSIPPI MASALA TO VANITY FAIR: A CONVERSATION WITH MIRA NAIR & LYDIA DEAN PILCHER, at which Ms. Nair and her long-time producer discuss their many collaborations. The panel takes place at 12 noon at the Colony Café in Woodstock, moderated by film critic Thelma Adams (US Weekly). Born in India, Nair began her artistic career as an actor before turning her attention to directing, producing and screenwriting. She found success as a documentary filmmaker, winning prestigious awards for So Far From India, India Cabaret and The Laughing Club of India. Nair’s feature film credits include the critically acclaimed Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, Hysterical Blindness, Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, The Perez Family, Monsoon Wedding, and the newly released Vanity Fair. Her films have won accolades and multiple awards at major film festivals all over the world. Following the horrendous events of September 11, 2001, Nair joined a group of 11 renowned filmmakers, each commissioned to direct a film that was 11 minutes, 9 seconds and one frame long. Nair’s film is a retelling of real events in the life of the Hamdani family in Queens, whose eldest son was missing after September 11th, and was then accused by the media of being a terrorist. On the international front, Ms. Nair’s film company is establishing an annual filmmaker's laboratory, Maisha, dedicated to the support of visionary screenwriters and directors in East Africa and India. Nair also serves as a mentor for the prestigious Rolex protégé arts initiative to help guide young artists in critical stages of their development. The Woodstock Film Festival took its name for its awards – The Maverick Awards – from the original Woodstock arts colony of the early 1900s. The Honorary Maverick Award is presented each year to an individual whose life and work is the very definition of the word Maverick. Past recipients include Woody Harrelson, Tim Robbins, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, and Les Blank. Other annual WFF awards include the Maverick Award for Excellence in Film Editing (new), the Elmer Bernstein Award for Best Film Score, the Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography, and awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Narrative, Best Short Documentary, Best Animated Short and Best Student Short - to be announced at the WFF Awards Ceremony, Sunday evening Oct. 17 at the Bearsville Theater. The
‘fiercely independent’ Woodstock Film Festival celebrates its 5th
Anniversary in 2004, from Wednesday, October 13
through Sunday, October 17. More than 120 films, panels, concerts, and
special events will be featured at venues in Woodstock and the neighboring towns
of Rhinebeck and Hunter. The presenting sponsor
of the 5th Annual Woodstock Film Festival is Markertek.com, America’s
largest broadcast supply house, based in Saugerties, NY. ABOUT THE WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL The Woodstock Film Festival has established itself as one of the best independent film events in the country by premiering exceptional films, hosting the most talented emerging and established professionals in the movie industry, presenting A-list concerts, parties and panels, and creating innovative and stimulating programming year-round. The Woodstock Film Commission promotes sustainable economic development by attracting and supporting local film, video and media production.
PHOTO http://woodstockfilmfestival.com/press/nair_photo_bw.JPG and media production. For information on screenings, workshops and other WFF programs, contact (845) 679-4265 or visit www.woodstockfilmfestival.com. For complete program info,
visit the
2004 Schedule
HOME |