FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jason Berger, Film Independent
jberger@filmindependent.org

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

LOS ANGELES (January 4, 2025) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, announced the winners of its three Emerging Filmmaker Awards today at its annual Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch held at Hotel Casa del Mar. Karen Pittman (The Morning Show, The Americans) served as host for the event and handed out the honors. Winners for the remaining categories will be revealed at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 22.

“As we enter our organization’s fifth decade, the Emerging Filmmaker Awards have become an invaluable tool in Film Independent’s mission to support independent artists and allow them to develop new work on their own terms and vision,” said Brenda Robinson, Chair of the Board of Film Independent. “This mission was central to the work our president Josh Welsh dedicated his life to and it couldn’t be more fitting to honor him as we celebrate these talented artists and the work they have and will continue to produce.”

The Someone to Watch Award was given to Sarah Friedland, director of Familiar Touch. The award recognizes a talented first-time narrative filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award, which is in its 31st year, includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant. The finalists for the award included Nicholas Colia for Griffin in Summer and Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell.

The Truer Than Fiction Award was presented to Rachel Elizabeth Seed, director of A Photographic Memory. The award is presented to a first-time director of non-fiction features who has not received significant recognition. The award is in its 30th year and includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant. Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie for Sugarcane and Carla Gutiérrez for Frida were also finalists for the award.

Finally, the Producers Award, presented by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, went to Sarah Winshall. 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 28th year, includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. Finalists were Alex Coco and Zoë Worth.

At the start of the event, Chair of the Board of Film Independent Brenda Robinson took a moment to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the organization’s beloved longtime President Josh Welsh, who passed away recently after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. A tireless advocate for artists and a pillar of support within the independent film world, Josh Welsh had been with the organization for over 20 years, beginning as a volunteer before rising to president in 2012. In that time, he personally spearheaded the expansion of Film Independent’s worldwide reach and commitment to championing independent cinema and promoting diversity and inclusion across the entire film industry.

Presenting the honors at the annual Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch was acclaimed artist Karen Pittman, the celebrated actress of television, film and theater. She currently stars in The Morning Show on Apple TV+, for which she has earned an Emmy and Critics Choice Award nomination. Additionally, she has stared in FX’s The Americans, the pop culture phenomenon Yellowstone and Detroit, the period crime drama from Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, overseen by returning host and Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The 40th anniversary show, held at the beach in Santa Monica, will be streamed live on the IMDb and Film Independent YouTube channels, as well as across other social platforms. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round slate of programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and celebrate creative independence, diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision in independent film and television. The previously announced nominees can be viewed here.

Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Principal Sponsor IMDbPro and Official Partners Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FIJI Water and Miraval Rose. Easterseals Disability Services is the Accessibility Partner. Hotel Casa del Mar and The Georgian are the Official Hotels. CULTURED Magazine is an Official Media Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the Exclusive Screening Partner.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent’s mission and programs, please contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate Walker D’Angelo at kwalker@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about the Spirit Awards eligibility rules and regulations, please visit filmindependent.org/spirit-awards/faq.

The winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards are voted on by Film Independent Members. Membership is open to the public. For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org/join.

Press and publicist credential applications for the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards are now open at filmindependent.org/press. For any questions regarding credentials, please contact Jason Berger at publicity@filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For 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.