Winners include Greta Gerwig, Debra Granik, Chris Hegedus, Tanya Hamilton, Gini Reticker, Debra Martin Chase, Abby Disney, Delia Ephron, Anne Rosellini, Debra Zimmerman, Anne Thompson, Leslie Bennetts and Nancy Schreiber
Granik & Rosellini’s critically acclaimed Winter’s Bone
added to the previously announced film line-up
January 13, 2011 – Hosted by Barnard College and Women and Hollywood, the Athena Film Festival: A Celebration of Women and Leadership announces the first recipients of the Athena Awards. Winners will make appearances throughout the Festival, set for February 10–13, on Barnard’s campus in Morningside Heights.
Awardees include Barnard alumnae Greta Gerwig ’06, actress (Greenberg and the upcoming Arthur), and Delia Ephron ’66, writer (You’ve Got Mail). They will be honored along with: Debra Martin Chase, producer of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Princess Diaries; documentarian Chris Hegedus (Kings of Pastry, The War Room); Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini, director and co-writers of the critically acclaimed Winter’s Bone, which will be screened at this year’s festival in addition to the previously announced film line-up; Debra Zimmerman, executive director of Women Make Movies; Abby Disney and Gini Reticker, who produced and directed Pray the Devil Back to Hell; director of photography Nancy Schreiber (November); director Tanya Hamilton (Night Catches Us); film journalist Anne Thompson; and Leslie Bennetts, Vanity Fair contributing editor.
The Athena Awards honor noted talent behind and in front of the camera, who demonstrate leadership in their careers and characterize the values women leaders share—vision, courage and resilience. The majority of the Athena Awards will be handed out at the Opening Night Celebration on Thursday, February 10.
“We are proud to honor these industry leaders with our Athena Award,” said Kathryn Kolbert, co-founder of the Festival and director of the Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard. “By highlighting the accomplishments of women leaders, we hope to open a robust dialogue about women and leadership, and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of our Athena Award winners.”
“It’s a thrill to be able to recognize and celebrate the work of women who continue to pave the way for all of us,” added Melissa Silverstein, co-founder of the Festival and founder of Women and Hollywood.
Tickets for the Athena Film Festival are currently on sale at athenafilmfestival.com. An all-access festival pass is $50. Single tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
