Directors Showcase

Home > 2012 UCLA TFT Film Festival > Directors Showcase

The Directors’ Showcase is a premier event showcasing ten films chosen to receive a coveted Spotlight Award. These films, which have emerged through several rounds of judging by TFT students, as well as a Blue Ribbon Jury of industry professionals, are among the most exciting works UCLA Film Festival has to offer.

The Directors’ Showcase has provided a platform for outstanding talent since its inception more than two decades ago. Program graduates include Charles Burnett ("Killer Of Sheep"), David Silverman ("The Simpsons Movie"), Francis Ford Coppola ("The Godfather"), Patricia Cardoso ("Real Women Have Curves"), Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton ("Little Miss Sunshine"), Sacha Gervasi ("Anvil: The Story of Anvil"), Alexander Payne ("The Descendants"), Penelope Spheeris ("The Decline of Western Civilization"), Catherine Hardwicke ("Twilight"), Justin Lin ("Fast Five"), Gore Verbinski ("Pirates of the Caribbean") and Alexander Payne ("The Descendants").

2012 Honorees

Alexander Payne, "The Descendants," Filmmaker of the Year Award
Harvey Weinstein, Champion Spirit Award

Special Guests

Todd Holland, Writer/Director
Shailene Woodley, Actor, "The Descendants"

2012 Panavision Award in Cinematography Winner: Milena Pastreich

The Panavision New Filmmaker Package Grant is awarded to a student cinematographer for outstanding work. Valued at approximately $60,000, the grant will provide a complete camera package to be used by the recipient for the production of their next project. The grant winner is selected by a vote of student peers who have reviewed all films submitted to UCLA Film Festival.

Directors Showcase Films