British filmmaker Katy Milner has been named the inaugural winner of the Kodak High Falls Vision award, which honors and supports women filmmakers. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, Milner earned an in-kind grant of motion-picture film valued at $2,000, to be used for her autobiographical short Graffiti. Milner can now choose from Kodak 35mm, 16mm or Super 8 film to make her movie.
Milner entered this new contest for women filmmakers in the fall, when it was launched during the 2015 High Falls Film Festival.
High Falls Film Festival celebrates the artistry of women in film – behind the camera, in leading roles on the screen, and at the heart of storylines. The festival’s focus on women in film is inspired by Rochester’s legacy as the birthplace of film (George Eastman and Kodak) and the women’s rights movement (Susan B. Anthony).
“The Kodak High Falls Vision Award was inspired by George Eastman’s powerful legacy of philanthropic giving and Kodak’s ongoing commitment to supporting female filmmakers,” said Sascha Rice, global marketing director, entertainment imaging, Eastman Kodak Company. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Rochester’s High Falls Film Festival on this award. We are proud of our film heritage, honored to support the local community, and excited to shine a light on the next generation of female filmmakers.”
It is estimated that only 17% of all filmmakers and artists working behind the camera today are women, and that fact has been a driving force behind the festival since its inception.
“As one of the oldest and most important women’s film festivals in the world, High Falls does Rochester’s legacy in film and women’s rights quite proud, as we celebrate the best contemporary work from around the world,” said Nora Brown, executive director of High Falls Film Festival, who is also a filmmaker and the Rochester/Finger Lakes film commissioner. “With Kodak’s help we are fortunate to be able to recognize, support, and celebrate women filmmakers.”
The 2016 High Falls Film Festival will be Nov. 10-14.