(May 17, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA) The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation hosts its 21st Student Grant Awards virtually on Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 7 PM in Los Angeles. Hollywood actor, dancer, and TV presenter (America’s Funniest Home Videos, Fresh Prince of Bel Air) Alfonso Ribeiro will host the presentation.
The Caucus Foundation Student Grant Awards have been bestowed upon six select grantees from colleges and universities nationwide who need assistance to complete their thesis student films. With the support of the Annenberg Foundation, Panavision, illuminate Hollywood, and other supporters, the recipients will receive grants totaling over $100,000 in-kind services and funds.
1st Row: Student Film Grantees: Zani Wilson, New York University; Chris Sonnenschien, Columbia College Chicago; Khiam’e Fields, UCLA
2nd Row: Taylor Dominique Mason, Columbia College Chicago; Maria Valdez, UCLA; Jesse Randall Reid, Los Angeles City College
The winning student filmmakers chosen in 2022 by The Caucus Foundation are Zani Wilson, New York University; Chris Sonnenschien, Columbia College Chicago; Khiam’e Fields, UCLA; Taylor Dominique Mason, Columbia College Chicago; Maria Valdez, UCLA; Jesse Randall Reid, Los Angeles City College. Of this group, two will receive very special Gold Circle Awards. They will be announced at the ceremony.
The 1st Place Chuck Fries Gold Circle Award winner will receive a financial reward of $2,500 from The Foundation, plus a camera package worth $60,000 from legendary leaders in cameras, lenses, and equipment, Panavision. Aaron Saffa, Manager of the New Filmmaker Program of Panavision, will present the Award.
The 2nd Place Vin Di Bona Gold Circle Award recipient will receive $1,000 from the Foundation and an editing package from premier post-production innovators illuminate Hollywood worth $40,000. Illuminate Hollywood CEO and Foundation Board Member Jim Hardy will be the presenter of this award.
Generous donations by key supporters Panavision, illuminate Hollywood, The Annenberg Foundation, and The Caucus Foundation provide the bourgeoning filmmakers with invaluable support needed to complete their films and elevate their careers in filmmaking.
The Caucus Foundation for Producers, Writers & Directors is committed to diversity and to helping mentor the next generation of entertainment talent.
About The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation
The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation is dedicated to Scholarship Support, Financial Grants, and Mentoring a diverse group of talented students; to help them build their futures in all forms of content creation.
To date, The Caucus Foundation has awarded over $2 million to students at accredited colleges and universities across the country. The Foundation receives support from The Annenberg Foundation, Panavision, illuminate Hollywood, and other funders. This commitment to helping young talent has never been more important than it is right now as they work towards discovering and mentoring the next generation of entertainment talent.