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WIF announces new leadership and celebrates cinematic achievements
Leading women in film
In an exciting update for the industry, Women in Film, Los Angeles, disclosed that Syrinthia Studer will assume the role of WIF Board President in 2025. Studer, an industry veteran, steps into the shoes of Amy Baer, who completed a commendable nine-year tenure.
Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of WIF, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Syrinthia’s exceptional leadership record places her at the forefront of our field. As she prepares to step into her new role, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Amy Baer for her stellar guidance during one of the most turbulent times in our industry. We anticipate Syrinthia will bring innovation, excellence, and fresh perspective necessary to advance equity.”
Syrinthia Studer’s esteemed career
With 25 years of diverse experience, Studer is no stranger to the intricacies of the entertainment world. Her career spans various facets, from marketing to development. Recently, she served as the Executive Vice President of International Production at Paramount Global. Presently, Studer holds the position of Executive Vice President on the WIF board, showcasing her dedication to the organization’s mission.
Commenting on her new role, Studer remarked, “I am grateful for Amy’s leadership and honored to take the baton at a time when the entertainment industry is experiencing such rapid and transformative change. WIF’s mission of advancing and supporting women, transgender, and nonbinary individuals across all facets of the screen industries is critical, now more than ever. As the industry recalibrates in response to these new challenges, I look forward to working with Kirsten and the board to meet the moment.”
Celebrating excellence: ACE Golden Eddie Awards
In another significant development, the American Cinema Editors (ACE) announced that Jon M. Chu will be honored with the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award. This recognition is bestowed upon an artist who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film.
The 75th annual ACE Eddie Awards ceremony will be held on January 18 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. The event will also honor film editors Maysie Hoy and Paul Hirsch with career achievement awards. There will be a total of 13 categories awarded for editing achievements in both television and film, with nominations announced on December 11.
Sabrina Plisco, the president of ACE, praised Chu as a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style.
Unpacking consumerism: “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”
Scheduled for a Netflix debut on November 20, the documentary “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” tackles the intricacies of consumerism. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nic Stacey, this film examines the tactics of powerful brands like Apple, Amazon, and Adidas, whose strategies trap consumers in an endless cycle of buying.
This documentary, produced by Academy Award-winning UK production house Grain Media, features insights from industry insiders and whistleblowers who reveal the machinations of major global brands. According to promotional materials, the film uses a playful, eye-catching approach inspired by pop culture classics like “They Live” and “The Truman Show” to explore the destructive consequences of the lies we’ve been sold.
Stacey states, “I started thinking of myself as a ‘well-informed consumer,’ but was shocked by interviews with high-ranking people in major companies. We found that the system is far more troubling than most realize. There’s a sophisticated machine at work, making it incredibly hard for us to make conscious and responsible choices. My hope is that when people watch the film, they realize that we can take back control.”
For more information, you can search for the film here.
AFI Fest 2024 grand jury winners
AFI Fest 2024, presented by Canva, recently announced its Grand Jury Winners. These distinguished winners in each category qualify for consideration at the Academy Awards.
This year’s jury, consisting of filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, film programmer Nora Bernard, and comedian, actor, and author Paul Scheer, selected the following Grand Jury Prize winners:
- Live Action Short: “Two People Exchanging Saliva” directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh.
- Documentary Short: “Land of Lost Boys” directed by Nicholas Stachurski.
- Animated Short: “Humantis” directed by Paris Baillie.
Special Jury Mentions were also awarded to:
- Special Jury Mention for Freedom and Expression – Live Action Short: “A Short Film About Kids” directed by Ibrahim Handal.
- Special Jury Mention for New Voice – Documentary Short: “You’re Too Sensitive” directed by Dan Chen.
- Special Jury Mention for Craft – Animated Short: “Silent Panorama” directed by Nicolas Piret.
Charlotte Kirk takes a dramatic turn in “Myra”
Rounding out this roundup, actress Charlotte Kirk stars in the new Badhouse Studios Mexico thriller “Myra.” Produced by Marci Lee from Altitude Productions and written by Benjamin Budd, this gripping tale is set against the backdrop of Tijuana.
Kirk plays Myra, an ex-gang member who flees to Tijuana after a heist goes wrong in Los Angeles, leaving her with $2 million in bearer bonds. The plot thickens as her gang leader and lover, Tony (played by Gary Daniels), pursues her, along with another local gang leader and a corrupt cop, giving Myra a tight 36-hour window to cash in the bonds and disappear.
For more information on the film, check it out here.
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