| MEET THE ARTISTS | |
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| Marlee Matlin Guest Director Marlee Matlin received worldwide critical acclaim for her motion picture debut in Children of a Lesser God, a performance the film community chose to recognize with its highest honor—the Academy Award® for Best Actress. At age 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar® and one of only four actresses to receive that honor for a film debut. In addition to the Oscar®, Matlin was honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with the Golden Globe® Award for Best Actress in a Drama. Matlin has been instrumental in many activities that are aiding the deaf and hard of hearing communities. This is the first year that all Academy screeners will have closed captions. She helped get legislation passed that mandated ASL interpreters be present at all COVID-19 press conferences. She also organized a PSA that included leaders in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that aided the millions Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans in accessing resources on how to vote in the past elections. CODA, starring Matlin, is now available on Apple TV+. Sunset Boulevard script graciously donated by Paramount Pictures. |
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About Film Independent For over 38 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit’s mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs, and signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. International programs include Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program that provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. Film Independent Presents is a year-round program offering screenings, conversations and other unique cinematic experiences to Members in Los Angeles and beyond. While working to make the entertainment industry more inclusive, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists. Film lovers, industry professionals and anyone passionate about visual storytelling can become a Member at filmindependent.org and connect with @FilmIndependent across social platforms. |