Annual event to benefit the Vermont International Film Festival and to honor a VTIFF Community Champion.
The 2019 honoree is Bess O’Brien.
Bess O’Brien is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and theater producer with a knack for getting people to talk about uncomfortable subjects. She has been alternately called “Vermont’s truth teller”, “exemplary”, and someone who shines a light on Vermont’s shadowy corners.
Bess is perhaps Vermont’s most tireless filmmaker who not only hones in on some of the most burning issues the community faces but is not content with merely making a film about it. Once completed she devotes her time to lobby on all levels, from community centers to state level, to spread the word and create change. She takes her films everywhere in order to create conversations about their subjects. As Bess has said, what she likes about making the films she makes is that she can “be an artist and an activist at the same time.”
Bess is a true community champion and VTIFF is honored to add to the many awards she has already received. She is an great example of the power of cinema to raise questions and challenge ignorance.
Please join us at 6:30 on June 26 to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer and a beautiful sunset over the lake, and meet Bess O’Brien. Donations to this event go towards benefiting VTIFF and our programs.
We are honored that Bess has accepted to receive the 2019 VTIFF Community Award. You may contribute HERE ONLINE in advance if you aren’t able to come or didn’t get a chance at the event itself.
Previous honorees have been Mariah Riggs and Robin Lloyd.