By: debbie lynn elias
Part of the excitement of the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations announcement was Sean McManus, Senior Director for Film Independent, who joined Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale at the London Hotel for one of the most exciting nominations’ mornings ever. A 14+ year veteran of Film Independent, Sean’s devotion and appreciation for independent films, Film Independent and the Spirit Awards is more than obvious. Joining the organization in 1998 as Development Director, he was promoted to Senior Director in 2006 and since the departure of long-time Executive Director Dawn Hudson earlier this year, has served as Interim Executive Director. Needless to say, he knows the Spirit Awards – and Film Independent – like the back of his hand!
So it is with much excitement and appreciation that I was able to catch up with Sean for a few quick questions to get his thoughts on independent film and the importance of the Spirit Awards.
Given today’s economic climate and its impact on the film industry and particularly independent film, how important are Film Independent and the Spirit Awards to not only filmmakers and the film industry, but to the public as well, and why?
At Film Independent, we believe film is a powerful art form with the ability to impact how we see the world and view each other. Given our difficult economic climate and our country’s limited government support of the arts, Film Independent, along with our non-profit colleagues, play an increasingly important role in helping independent filmmakers create new work and build an audience for their projects. So many independent films nurture our souls and have the potential to inspire societal change. The Film Independent Spirit Awards bring many of these films into the public eye.
This is a very diverse, eclectic and exciting slate of nominees this year – one of the best ever. Do you have any personal favorites among the nominees, or are you surprised by any inclusions/omissions, and if so, what are they?
This year’s nominated films are diverse in so many ways, across genres and a diverse mix of the artists in front of and behind the camera. But they all have one thing in common – they are artistically exquisite. I am personally delighted with the Committees’ selection this year. Harmony Santana is nominated for her performance in [Gun] Hill Road – the first time a transgender person is nominated for an Indie Spirit.
Any surprises in store for the Spirit Awards this year?
Yes – there will be surprises at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards. But if I told you what they are, they wouldn’t be a surprise anymore. 🙂
Well, Sean, I’ll be looking for those surprises on February 25, 2012, when the Film Independent Spirit Awards head back to the beach in Santa Monica. And given the excellence of this year’s nominees, the one thing that won’t surprise me will be multiple categories ending in two and three way ties!
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