The University Film and Video Foundation, along with our longtime partners at Eastman Kodak Company, is proud to announce the 2020 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 29th 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)

“We Choose to Go,” directed by filmmaker Marlene Rios, from London Film School, tells the story of Angie Miranda, who leaves behind her life on Earth in pursuit of her dream of exploring deep space, only for her mission to go horribly wrong and force her to reconsider her choices.

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

"J for Jihad,” directed by filmmaker Amer Jamhour from London College of Communication, tells the story of 30 year-old Middle Eastern immigrant Jihad, who must confront his mental illness to reclaim his life, his boyfriend and his job, before he is deported to his war-stricken home.

2019 UFVF/KODAK Excellence in Filmmaking Grant—Bronze
($2,000 Cash + $3,000 KODAK Motion Picture Product)

"Sonnie,” directed by filmmaker Samuel Mirpoorian from Indiana University School of Informatics & Computing at IUPUI, is a documentary about a single father who, after carrying the burden of misfortune throughout his life, seeks redemption as he raises his son.

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

"Raising Ants,” a picture shot by cinematographer Miguel Angel Tamayo from the University of Miami, tells the story of Eva and her sister who, after the death of their mother, must move in with their estranged Aunt and come to terms with their new life.

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

"Eye of Eidolon,” a picture shot by cinematographer Kai Dickson from Savannah College of Art and Design, tells the story of a man plagued by the guilt of feeling responsible for his late wife’s death, and must face his demons in this surreal psychological horror

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

"Commuters,” shot by cinematographer Amanda Ferrarese from AFI, depicts a young woman who experiences a kismet connection during her evening commute.