Few women in the entertainment industry are as well known as Jane Espenson, who is best known for being the geek goddess writer and producer of fine television, that includes shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Husbands, Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood: Miracle Day, and most recently, Once Upon a Time. On June 13, 2015, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA, she will be receiving the 2015 Inspiration Award from Etheria Film Night, during the annual showcase of the best new short genre films (including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, and thriller) that have been directed by women. The film festival is being hosted by American Cinematheque, and its sponsors include Digital Bolex, Monstrosity Films, Fangoria Magazine, All Things Horror, Horrible Imaginings Film Festival, Darling Nikki’s, Birns and Sawyer, and The Alliance of Women Directors. Espenson was chosen as the 2015 honoree, thanks to her work on the aforementioned shows, as well as inspiring emerging women filmmakers to write and create their own projects, and her response to the award was simply beautiful:
“I’m thrilled to be honored as part of Etheria Film Night. In the genre spirit of ‘Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations,’ I’m proud to be recognized by a group that encourages all kinds of people to follow their creative passions.”
Etheria Film Night festival director Stacy Hammon shared, “As a fan of science fiction and fantasy drama TV, whenever I hear of a new show with Jane Espenson’s name attached I’m instantly excited because I KNOW I’m going to love it and I’m not alone in this feeling.” She was joined by Heidi Honeycutt, Etheria Film Night’s director of programming, who called Espenson “an amazing force in genre television.”
Etheria Film Night’s goal is to prove to the entertainment industry that there are women filmmakers making fantastic genre films, and that they deserve to be recognized. The festival has rolling submissions open all year, but if you’re interested in entering and want to make the 2015 lineup, all films must be received before March 31, 2015. Film submissions can be sent here for free.
Photo credit: Eugene Powers /Whedonopolis
Fans of Jane Espenson know that she’s only one example of some of the incredible women who create stories that thrill and entertain us. We need to show our support to other women who help make the television, film, plays, books, etc. that we love, and for filmmakers especially, entering the Etheria Film Night festival can be a great way to start.Etheria Film Night is a showcase of the best new horror, science fiction, fantasy, action, and thriller films made by emerging women directors. Submit your film, for free, now.
