While he’s now revered as one of the most accomplished and inventive blockbuster filmmakers around, once upon a time Christopher Nolan was just another director with film canisters under his arm, hoping somebody would watch his movie. It was at the Slamdance Film Festival where he premiered his first film “Following,” which gave audiences a first peek at the talent that would only get better over time. Now, the festival is giving something back to the filmmaker.
Organizers have announced today the introduction of the Slamdance Founder’s Award, and the first recipient of the prize is Christopher Nolan. “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,” the director said in a statement.
The award will be officially unveiled on Saturday, January 18th, presumably with the filmmaker in attendance and touching down in the place where it all started for him 16 years ago. Press release below.
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SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL HONORS ALUMNUS CHRISTOPHER NOLAN WITH INAUGURAL FOUNDER’S AWARD
“Inception” Filmmaker, Christopher Nolan, is Honored with the Historic Founder’s Award at the 20th Slamdance Film Festival
(LOS ANGELES, CA – January 10, 2014) – Today, the Slamdance Film Festival announced the introduction of the Slamdance Founder’s Award. The award, in its inaugural year, will be presented 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 short 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.
The 2014 Slamdance Film Festival will take place from January 17th – 23rd, 2014, in Park City, Utah at the Treasure Mountain Inn, located at 255 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060.
