The Legacy of Milos Forman
In 1978, esteemed director Milos Forman and his Screenwriting mentor Frank Daniel were appointed co-chairs of the Film Program. Under their leadership, the program flourished and became the world-renowned institution of film education that it is today. In many ways, Forman was the "creative founder" of Columbia Film, having shaped and refined its commitment to narrative filmmaking anchored in strong screenplays. He gave it a character as distinct as his own—original, passionate, intelligent, and international.
News
Invisible Beauty, a feature length documentary about fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison co-directed by alumnus Frédéric Tcheng ’07, has been released theatrically in the US and is now screening at Film Forum in New York City.
Film Independent recently announced that acclaimed Sundance title Radical, directed by Christopher Zalla '04 and produced by Benjamin Odell '04, received the Sloan Distribution Grant worth $50,000. The film will be released theatrically in the US on November 3, 2023 via Miercoles Entertainment on behalf of Pantelion Films.
The 31st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival is happening now through October 15, 2023, and several Columbia filmmakers are screening their work at the world renowned showcase.
The Last Out, co-directed by Sami Khan ’09, has won the Emmy for Outstanding Business and Economics Documentary.
Projects by Film alumni and students will screen at the acclaimed Nashville Film Festival at the end of this month.
Film at Lincoln Center has unveiled the film lineup for the 61st New York Film Festival, taking place from September 29 through October 15, 2023, and three Columbia filmmakers are presenting their short film at the festival this year.
Several Columbia alumni and students will showcase their work at the upcoming 24th Woodstock Film Festival, scheduled from September 27 to October 1, 2023. In this edition, the festival lineup will include about 135 films, including features, shorts, and music videos.
Devastation, a full-length feature penned by Film student Melina Maraki, will be developed by Mylla Films, the new banner set up by Nonstop Entertainment CEO Jakob Abrahamsson and Midsommar producer Patrik Andersson.
Children of Light and Till We Find Them, two films from Columbia filmmakers, have both moved on to the finalist round in the 2023 Student Academy Awards.
Film Alumna Sushma Khadepaun ’20 has been selected as a participant for The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Artist Academy.
Children of Light, a thesis film directed by Minkyu Kang ’22, has received numerous awards and recognition since its festival debut. In addition to directing, Kang also served as the writer and editor of the film, and produced alongside fellow Columbia filmmaker Bofan Zhang ’21.
The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival is underway and several projects from Columbia filmmakers are among this year’s selection of films.
