Austin, Texas – From March 8 to 16, this year’s SXSW Film Festival showcased the cutting edge of discovery, creativity, and innovation in the film industry. It was an event where filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the art of storytelling on the big screen.
Several talented alumni from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University were among the honorees at the festival. Their exceptional work on various projects earned them recognition in four different categories. The achievements of these alumni stood out in a sea of talent, serving as a testament to their dedication and skill.
In the Short Film Competition Grand Jury Awards, Anthony Saxe ’19 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Grad Film) was named the Jury Award Winner for his work on “Dissolution.” Saxe served as the Director, Screenwriter, and Producer, showcasing his multifaceted talents in bringing this project to life.
The Independent TV Pilot Competition saw a team of Tisch alumni emerging as Jury Award Winners for their show, “Marvin Is Sorry.” Brett Morrow ’23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) and Alex Gehrlein ’23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) co-wrote and served as Showrunners for the series, while Jack Gacek ’23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) contributed as a Showrunner and Screenwriter. Clint Pang ’23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) directed the pilot episode, completing the talented lineup of Tisch alumni behind this project.
Andrei Captan ’23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) was recognized with a Special Jury Award in the Poster Design Competition for his work on “If I Die in America.” Captan’s exceptional design skills brought this project to life, capturing the essence of the film in a visually striking manner.
In addition to these category awards, Kara Durrett ’10 (BFA, Drama) received the prestigious Janet Pierson Champion Award at the SXSW Special Awards. As the President of Pinky Promise Films, Durrett has established herself as a champion of film and a leader in the industry.
The success of these Tisch alumni at the SXSW Film Festival is a testament to the exceptional education and training they received at one of the world’s premier arts schools. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and artists worldwide, highlighting the importance of passion, talent, and creativity in crafting compelling stories for the screen.
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