FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Alia Quart Khan, Film Independent
Tel: 310.432.1287 or aqkhan@filmindependent.org

Ryan Collins, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or ryan.collins@ginsberglibby.com

 

32nd FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS TO BE BROADCAST LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON IFC,
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET

EDGAR RAMIREZ AND JENNY SLATE TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING NOMINEES NOVEMBER 22

JOEL GALLEN RETURNS TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE AND DIRECT SHOW

LOS ANGELES (October 4, 2016) — Film Independent announced today that the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast exclusively on IFC on February 25, 2017, LIVE at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. This year marks the 32nd edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Nominees will be announced at a press conference held at the W Hotel hosted by Edgar Ramirez (Hands of Stone, Girl on the Train, Gold) and Jenny Slate (Obvious Child, The Secret Life of Pets, Gifted). Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions returns for his third year as executive producer of the show held in its usual tent on the beach in Santa Monica, just north of the Santa Monica Pier. Producer Shawn Davis returns for his 15th show and Rick Austin returns for his third year as producer. This year’s nominees will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, November 22 at the W Hollywood and on spiritawards.com.

“Edgar Ramirez and Jenny Slate are the perfect duo to announce this year’s Spirit Award nominees,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “Looking at the all films this year, it’s clear that artist-driven film is alive and well and we look forward to celebrating with the independent film community on the beach on February 25th and on IFC! Once again the show will be back in the capable hands of Emmy award nominated EP and Director Joel Gallen.”

“The Spirit Awards align perfectly with the heart of what we do at IFC,” said Jennifer Caserta, IFC’s president.  “We are thrilled to once again help celebrate diversity, creativity and support the recognition of important new, original voices.”

Joel Gallen’s credits include the Emmy nominated specials Stand Up To Cancer (2014, 2012), the 25^th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert (2009), Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief (2010) and the Emmy and Peabody Award winning America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001). He produced the MTV Movie Awards for 12 consecutive years from 1995 to 2006. He also produced and directed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony from 2003 through 2014. Gallen executive produced and directed The Concert for Valor for HBO in November of 2014 and he also helmed the last 13 Comedy Central Roasts including the most recent roast featuring Rob Lowe.

In addition to celebrating the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking, the Spirit Awards is also the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry. To learn more about donations, table sales and attendance, please contact jmurby@filmindependent.org or 310.432.1253.

 

Download the Film Independent Spirit Awards logo.

 

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 Spirit Awards 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, the Jeep brand and IFC as well as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. FIJI Water is the Official Water. WireImage is the Official Photographer. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Albina Oks, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, aoks@filmindependent.org or 310.432.1252.

 

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

 

ABOUT IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Series like Portlandia, Documentary Now!,Comedy Bang! Bang!, Stan Against Evil and 2017’s Brockmire 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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