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
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its complete list of 2021 award winners, and among them is Costa Brava, Lebanon, a film by alumni Mounia Akl '17 (director, co-writer), Clara Roquet '16 (co-writer), and Cyril Aris ’17 (editor).
Two films by Columbia filmmakers will show at this year’s 52nd edition of the Nashville Film Festival, which will run from September 30 to October 6, 2021.
Alumna Nelicia Low '18 will direct the sports drama Pierce. The film, which was also written by Low, will mark her feature debut and is scheduled to begin production in Taiwan in January 2022. It is supported by prestigious funds, including the Hubert Bals HBF+Europe Minority Co-Production Support, a Purin Pictures Production Grant, and the Taipei Film Commission.
Three films by Columbia filmmakers will play at this year’s Woodstock Film Festival. They are: The Winter House, The Binding of Itzik, and Hector’s Woman.
Several projects by Columbia University filmmakers were honored during the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Ceremony that took place over the weekend.
The Venice International Film Festival has awarded alumna Maggie Gyllenhaal (CC '99) the honor of Best Screenplay for her film The Lost Daughter.
Seven films by Columbia alumni will screen at the 17th annual Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles from September 23 until October 1, 2021. The festival will take place in person at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood as well as virtually.
Production has begun on La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta, a new action-packed Amazon Original series, co-created by alumnus Mauricio Leiva-Cock '13.
Alumnus Adam Salky ’08 will have his new film, Intrusion, premiere on Netflix later this month.
Two Columbia Filmmakers have been awarded the prestigious 2021 Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowships. They are: alumnus Ryan Craver ’20, for his screenplay, Tadpole, and Film student Rachel Ward, in recognition of her screenplay, Typhoid Mary.
Alumnus and adjunct faculty member Matthew Fennell ’18 serves as one of the writers for Netflix’s highly anticipated new series, Brand New Cherry Flavor.
Film alumnus Arie Esiri ’19 was awarded the honor of Best Feature Narrative at the 2021 BlackStar Film Festival for his first feature film, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire).
