First Annual Chris Holter Humor In Film Award To Be Presented At
Historic 50th San Francisco International Film Festival

$2,500 Cash Prize to Filmmaker Selected by Audience Ballot

April 3, 2007

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Film Society will present the first annual Chris Holter Humor in Film Award at the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 26–May 10). The Holter Award, honoring the life and work of the San Francisco native, teacher and filmmaker, has been established in memoriam by Holter’s partner, producer/director Ron Merk. The award, which includes a $2,500 cash prize, will be given to the filmmaker whose film (short, narrative feature or documentary in any genre or technique, including animation) paints the most humorous, heart-warming and life-affirming portrait of the human condition. The winner of the Holter Award will be determined by audience ballot and announced at the Festival’s Golden Gate Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 9.

“We’re delighted to accept Ron Merk’s generous offer to inaugurate the Chris Holter Humor in Film Award at the 50th International,” said Graham Leggat, the Film Society’s executive director. “It’s a most fitting tribute to Chris’s inspiring joie de vivre.”

“I think the simple description of what kind of film will receive this award very much reflects who Chris was and how he saw the world, always certain that things would improve if we got involved,” said Merk. “I truly hope this award encourages filmmakers to incorporate this kind of humanity in their work and to bring us good news about ourselves.”

The Chris Holter Humor in Film Award is made possible by an annual grant from the Metro Theatre Center Foundation, with funds from the Ora A. Holter Family Trust and the Chris Holter–Ron Merk Family Fund.