Film Independent Honors Emerging Filmmakers at Spirit Awards Brunch

The annual event celebrated rising talents with cash grants while paying tribute to late president Josh Welsh.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch awarded $25,000 grants to Sarah Winshall, Rachel Elizabeth Seed, and Sarah Friedland for their contributions to independent filmmaking.
Sarah Winshall received the Producers Award, recognizing her creativity and tenacity in producing films with limited resources.
Rachel Elizabeth Seed was honored with the Truer Than Fiction Award for her documentary 'A Photographic Memory,' which took 13 years and extensive collaboration to complete.
Sarah Friedland earned the Someone to Watch Award for her narrative film 'Familiar Touch,' acknowledging her unique vision as an emerging filmmaker.
The event included a heartfelt tribute to Josh Welsh, Film Independent's late president, who passed away on December 31 after a private battle with colon cancer.