SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL HONORS ALUMNUS CHRISTOPHER NOLAN WITH FOUNDERS AWARD

For the 20th anniversary of the smaller and more intimate film festival in Park City, the Slamdance Film Festival announced this year  the introduction of the Slamdance Founder’s Award. The award, in its inaugural year, was presented last evening to acclaimed filmmaker, Slamdance alumnus, and long-time supporter of indie film, Christopher Nolan.

 His first film, Following, screened at Slamdance.  This film introduced his artistic vision to the film community long before audiences worldwide would discover his later films Memento, Insomnia, his re-imagining of the Batman saga, The Prestige, and Inception.  As Slamdance celebrates its 20th festival season and renegade DIY spirit, Nolan serves as the ideal honoree as both an innovative filmmaker and a generous supporter of his fellow indie filmmakers. Nolan will be honored at the Slamdance Film Festival headquarters, in the Treasure Mountain Inn in Park City, UT on Saturday, January 18th, during the festival.

 

“Throughout his incredible successes, Christopher Nolan has stood firmly behind the Slamdance filmmaking community.  We are honored to present him with Slamdance’s inaugural Founder’s Award,” stated Peter Baxter, Slamdance President and Co-Founder.

 

Nolan states, “I’m honored to be recognized by a Festival that gave me some of my first opportunities to connect with an audience. Slamdance continues to provide an important forum for emerging filmmakers and I’m proud to be part of their history.”

 

This year’s anniversary slate consists of 93 films, including the premiere of the DIY documentary, which follows the historical development of the Do-It-Yourself indie film movement, as well as a number of thought-provoking films by a variety of acclaimed and visionary filmmakers from all over the world.