ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES (AMPAS) AWARDS SAN FRANCISCO FILM SOCIETY $150,000 THREE-YEAR GRANT

An Extraordinary Vote of Confidence as San Francisco International Film Festival Enters Historic 50th Year

August 10, 2006

The San Francisco Film Society announced today its selection as the recipient of the “secure foundation” grant from the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). This special grant, which has only been awarded twice before, has been presented to the San Francisco International Film Festival on the eve of its 50th anniversary. The Festival will receive $50,000 from the Academy in 2007 and $50,000 a year for the next two years, for a total of $150,000.

In April 2007, the SF International Film Festival will mark its place in history as the first film festival in the Americas to celebrate its 50th anniversary. For over half a century, SFIFF has presented the best in world cinema. SFIFF 50 will honor that tradition while energetically embracing new works, new platforms and new audiences.

San Francisco Film Society Board President Melanie Blum said, “We greatly appreciate this recognition from the Academy, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2007 and look to the future.”

AMPAS Festival Grants Committee Chair Gale Anne Hurd remarked, “With the Academy guaranteeing funds for three years, our hope is that this type of grant will help a festival build a sturdy foundation for a project. That kind of security will permit a festival to take some chances with programs they might otherwise not be willing to try.” View the Academy’s release announcing the grant.

Film Society Executive Director Graham Leggat stated, “Visionary from the get-go, the International has a long and storied history of innovative programming. The Academy’s generosity as we approach our historic 50th anniversary is a terrific encouragement to innovate still more.”

Last year, the Los Angeles Film Festival received this grant from the Academy and two years ago, the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado was the first to receive the three years of funding.

The San Francisco Film Society, presenter of the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 26 – May 10, 2007), is a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to celebrating international film and the moving image.