Jason Blum Honored With American Cinematheque Power of Cinema Award – Film News in Brief
Jason Blum has been selected by the American Cinematheque to receive this year’s Power of Cinema Award. Blum and his company will be honored for achievements in the motion picture industry at the top of the Cinematheque’s annual benefit. Ryan Reynolds will be honored with the career achievement award at this year’s benefit, which takes place Nov. 17 at the Beverly Hilton.
“Jason Blum and Blumhouse are ideal recipients of the American Cinematheque’s Power of Cinema Award in the world and culture of 2022. They make high-quality films at suitable budgets that have wide commercial appeal and are the best examples of their genre. They have promoted and increased the appeal of the theatrical experience and entertained an expansive range of audiences. They have captured the zeitgeist in our changing times,” said the org’s chairman, Rick Nicita.
Blum has produced films including “Get Out,” “Halloween Kills,” “Black Box” and “The Invisible Man.”
Academy Reappoints Current At-Large Governors
The Academy Board of Governors reappointed its current governors-at-large, DeVon Franklin (Executives Branch), Rodrigo García (Directors Branch) and Janet Yang (Producers Branch).
Franklin, Garcia and Yang’s additional three-year team begins on July 1.
“The level of commitment DeVon, Rodrigo and Janet have shown to the Academy, its members, and our ongoing investment in representation, inclusion and equity is immeasurable. They are highly valued leaders, and we as a Board are pleased to provide this opportunity for them to continue their great work,” said Academy President David Rubin.
As with the governors representing each of the Academy’s 17 branches, governors-at-large may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
The Academy’s 2022-2023 Board of Governors will be elected in June.
Premiere Digital to Distribute Mental Health Documentary ‘The Girl on the Bridge’ in the U.S. and Globally
Premiere Digital has acquired global distribution rights, including the U.S., for “The Girl on the Bridge,” a mental health documentary directed by New Zealand filmmaker Leanne Pooley.
“The Girl on the Bridge” tells the story of 22-year old Jazz Thornton, who survived multiple suicide attempts and now works as a filmmaker and activist for young people’s mental health. The film sees her juggle the personal cost and pressures of advocacy work as she leads her own charity.
Previously only seen in New Zealand and Australia, “The Girl on the Bridge” is now available on digital platforms. See a trailer below.
Cinema Audio Society (CAS) Sets Timeline for 59th Annual CAS Awards
The Cinema Audio Society has set its timeline for the 2023 CAS awards with the ceremony being held on March 4. Submissions deadline is set for Dec. 1. Final voting will begin on Feb 9, with voting ending a few weeks later on Feb. 21.
“The Cinema Audio Society is excited to celebrate another year of excellence in sound mixing,” says CAS President Karol Urban. “The plenitude and range of work to consider continues to expand year after year. We are excited to experience and celebrate this year’s stellar achievements.”
Stephen Lighthill Re-elected President American Society of Cinematographers
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Board of Governors of has elected the organizations 2022-2023 officers and Stephen Lighthill has been re-elected president for a third consecutive one-year term. He will serve alongside Vice Presidents Amy Vincent, John Simmons and Shelly Johnson; Treasurer Steven Poster; Secretary Gregg Heschong; and Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Chomyn.
“As an organization, we are focused on education, continued improvements of safety practices, and further expanding our diversity and outreach efforts,” notes Lighthill. “The last year has presented many adversities for our community, and we are proud of how our members met these challenges while continuing to take storytelling to new places.”
Lighthill is also the Discipline Chair for Cinematography at the American Film Institute Conservatory where he has been a leader in advancing gender diversity at both the faculty and graduate levels.
Carl Spence Named Artistic Director of Sonoma Film Festival
Carl Spence, previously co-director and artistic director of the Seattle International Film Festival, has been named artistic director of Northern California’s Sonoma Film Festival. He takes over from Kevin W. McNeely, who will become chairman emeritus.
The annual festival takes place in March, with year-round events such as Summerfest, set for Aug. 4-6.
Spence, who is based in Spain, has programmed for festivals including Palm Springs, Miami, San Francisco and Arte Careyes.
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