Academy grants $50,000 to Telluride Film Festival

Aug 26, 2008 by Ian Evans

As part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continuing support of film festivals across the U.S., the Academy Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to underwrite the Telluride Film Festival’s Guest Director program. Slavoj Zizek, the Slovenian political philosopher and cultural critic, will preside as guest director of the Festival’s 35th show when it kicks off this week.

“Making the world of film more accessible is central to the Academy’s mission,” said Academy President Sid Ganis. “Telluride’s Guest Director program does just that by sharing the experience and vision of some of the world’s foremost creative thinkers.”

“We are thrilled with this partnership and look forward to working with the Academy for many years to come,” said Co-director Gary Meyer. “It is the enthusiastic support of organizations like the Academy that allows Telluride Film Festival to thrive, and create a rich and diverse program.”

The Academy Foundation annually grants more than $1 million to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad.