The University Film and Video Foundation, along with our longtime partners at Eastman Kodak Company, is proud to announce the 2019 winners of the UFVF/KODAK Grants, recognizing Excellence in Filmmaking and Excellence In Cinematography with $31,500 in cash and motion picture product awards.

The awards are in their 28th year, and celebrate both the tireless hours of work by many talented students, and the deep commitment to motion picture education on the part of UFVF and KODAK.

Selected from entries from around the world, this year’s winners are:

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Filmmaking Grant—Gold
($5,000 Cash + $3,000 KODAK Motion Picture Product)

"One Step to Perfection,” directed by filmmaker Boris Biaou, from 3IS (France), tells the story of Jesse, who has been incarcerated for 5 years. Upon leaving prison, he learns that his mother is volunteering for an experiment: Take a pill that will take away her feelings. He then sets out to prevent it.

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Filmmaking Grant—Silver
($3,000 Cash + $3,000 KODAK Motion Picture Product)

"Fight Back,” directed by filmmaker Loren Trabelsi from Ma'aleh School of Film & Television, tells the story of a teenage girl boxer, who starts a relationship with a guy from her group. Then suddenly, everything starts getting out of hand.

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Cinematography Grant—First Place
($3,000 Cash + $5,000 KODAK Motion Picture Product)

"The Latent Image,’ a picture shot by cinematographer Matthew Hayward from Columbia College Chicago, tells the story of a man who struggles with memories of his past relationships.

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Cinematography Grant—VISION Award
($3,000 Cash + $5,000 KODAK Motion Picture Product)

"Ceremony,” a picture shot by cinematographer Jo Jo Lam from AFI, tells the story of a person stuck in their room. A person afraid to join the outside world, sleeping through the day, choosing to exist by night. Until one night, a phone call interrupts and intrudes into their routine, delivering distressing news.

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Cinematography Grant—VISION Honorable Mention
($1,000 Cash + $500 KODAK Motion Picture Product Grant)

"Deleria,” shot by Cinematographer Niklas Panthell from Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts, depicts a slow, hot summer afternoon, as a father sleeps while his child is drawing with pencils in a crossword puzzle. A wind moves through the grass - something bad is about to happen.