WeHo's Women's Film and Television Showcase Announces Jury
Film Line-up and Honorees
by Nicholas Snow
Nancy Kwan to serve as Jury Chairperson with jury members from MGM Studios, The Hollywood Foreign Press and local film distributor. Peter Coyote, Bebe Neuwirth and Ethan Peck to make special appearances.
Nancy Kwan who most people still remember her outstanding roles in "The World of Suzie Wong" and "Flower Drum Song" will serve as jury chairperson for the upcoming The Women's Film & Television Showcase scheduled for December 4-7, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center's Silverscreen Theater. Kwan's career spans 4 decades and she continues her work as an actress and producer. Joining Ms. Kwan on the jury is Kristin Borella, Vice President of National Publicity for MGM Studios, Michael Goodridge, journalist for Screen International and member of The Hollywood Foreign Press, Phillippe Maro, producer/director, and Marc Halperin of Magic Lamp Distributing.
Kristin Borella serves as the Vice President National Publicity for MGM. She oversees national and field publicity activities in conjunction with the MGM marketing department's efforts on various theatrical film campaigns from both MGM and United Arts. Michael Goodridge, journalist for Screen International brings and executive with the Hollywood office of Screen International brings years of experience with reviewing and judging films. Michael is also a member of The Hollywood Foreign Press. Marc Haleprin from Magic Lamp Releasing has spent the past 30 years in the film distribution business. He is responsible for creating release plans and strategies to successfully market films for niche and mainstream markets. Philippe Mora is an award winning writer, director and producer. He has made over 30 films internationally in all genres including documentaries, dramas and historical films.
A total of 10 films from 8 different countries will compete in 3 different categories: 1) Best Female Director; 2) Best Female Cinematographer; 3) Best Film. Additional awards will be presented for The Preeminent Breakout Role, The Audience Favorite Award and a series of honorary awards including The Career Achievement Award which will be present to Gale Anne Hurd. Additional Honorary Awards will be presented to Adrienne Fancey who will receive the Elizabeth Grant Entrepreneurial Award; Sharon Davis for her work as a Costume Designer; Suzanne Harle from Green Planet Films for her work with environmental films; and Millee Livingston who will receive the coveted peace award. Additional awards are waiting confirmation and will be announced later this month. The award recipients will receive awards designed by French designer Patrick Moulin in conjunction with French porcelain maker, Pillivuyt Porcelain.
"We are extremely pleased with this year's film line-up and honorees. We appreciate the jury members' involvement as well as the sponsors. A combination of some of the industry's best jury members, top quality films with an impressive line-up of honorees promises to make The WIFTS event a 'don't miss' event," stated Co-Founder Elspeth Tavares.
Films participating in this year's line-up are "Apron Strings" from New Zealand; "Adopt a Sailor" from the USA; "Black and White" from Italy; "Jane Doe" from the USA; "Svetlana and Svetlana" from Russian and USA; "A Single Woman" from USA; "Boses (Voices)" from The Phillippines; and "Walk On By" from the USA. Also included in the line-up is the film "Tengri" which has been submitted for consideration to the Academy for Best Foreign Language Film from Kurgystan. An additional 4 films will also be added to the competition line-up. Appearing in support of their film "Adopt a Sailor" will be actors Peter Coyotte, Bebe Neuwirth and Ethan Peck.
