Written by Isabelle Titcomb
Two WMM filmmakers were recently awarded New York Women in Film & Television distinctions at the Hamptons International Film Festival, which honor outstanding female filmmakers “who ha[ve] demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to their craft.”
Ekwa Msangi, director of Production Assistance Program film FAREWELL AMOR, was honored with the New York Women in Film & Television Award for Directing. Described as “A moving exploration of the meaning of home,” by the Hollywood Reporter, FAREWELL AMOR is a touching story of an Angolan couple re-acquainting with each other after 17 years of separation. Msangi’s film was also recently listed by IndieWire as one of the 11 films to watch at the 2020 AFI FEST Film Festival.
Shalini Kantayya, director of CODED BIAS, which is both a Production Assistance Program film and a new WMM release, received the New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking. In the director’s words, CODED BIAS proves to us that “Data protection is the unfinished work of the civil rights movement” in the age of artificial intelligence and surveillance. CODED BIAS, which premiered at Sundance, was included on VARIETY’s list of films they predict will be contenders for Best Documentary Feature at the 2021 Oscars.
Congratulations to both Ekwa and Shalini!
