Nanfu Wang, Anna Rose Holmer and Jordana Mollick Named 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grant Winners

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the LA Film Festival, announced the winners of its three Spirit Awards filmmaker grants today at its annual Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch held at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood. Sterling K. Brown and Issa Rae co-hosted the event and handed out the honors.

"Discovering and supporting new filmmaking talent is at the heart of what we do all year long," said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. "This year's filmmaker grant recipients are remarkably talented and I look forward to seeing the work they go on to create in the years to come."

Jordana Mollick received the Piaget Producers Award. The award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The annual award, in its 20th year, includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget for the 10th year. Finalists for the award were Lisa Kjerulff and Melody C. Roscher & Craig Shilowich.

Anna Rose Holmer, director of The Fits, received the Kiehl's Someone to Watch Award. The award recognizes talented filmmakers of singular vision who have not yet received appropriate recognition. The award is in its 23rd year and includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl's Since 1851. Finalists for the award were Andrew Ahn director of Spa Night, Claire Carré director of Embers and Ingrid Jungermann director of Women Who Kill.

Nanfu Wang, director of Hooligan Sparrow, received the Truer Than Fiction Award. The award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not received significant recognition. The award is in its 22nd year and includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant. 

Finalists for the award were Kristi Jacobson director of Solitary and Sara Jordenö director of Kiki.

This year marks the 32nd edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Nick Kroll and John Mulaney will co-host the show. Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions returns for his third year as executive producer, producer Shawn Davis returns for his 15th show. Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff will be co-producing the awards.

Winners for the remaining categories will be revealed at the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 25. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. 

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Now in its 32nd year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The SpiritAwards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, American Airlines, Jeep brand, IFC, and Principal Sponsor AT&T, as well as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. FIJI Water is the Official Water. Landmark Vineyards is the Official Wine. WireImage is the Official Photographer. 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film Independent at LACMA, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.  

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Original series Portlandia, Documentary Now!, Stan Against Evil and the upcoming Brockmire (April 2017) air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows.  IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms.  IFC is Always On Slightly Off.

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