SUTTON, W.Va. – September 12, 2016 – Three nominees are in the running for the West Virginia FILMmaker of the Year Award. The 2016 nominees are: Chip Hitchcock, West Virginia Public Broadcasting documentary filmmaker; Sam Holdren, a director, producer and location manager; and Josh Stewart, an actor and producer.
The award will be presented at the awards reception of the 17th annual West Virginia FILMmakers Festival’s on Sunday, October 2, at Landmark Studio for the Arts in Sutton.
The West Virginia FILMmaker of the Year Award is a lifetime achievement award, which goes to the filmmaker whose most recent work or lifetime work has had the utmost effects on the West Virginia film industry. The West Virginia FILMmakers Festival Board of Directors oversees the selection. The nomination committee consists of previous award recipients, members of the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild, Landmark Studio for the Arts Board, the festival board, and industry professionals from around the state to arrive at the broadest consensus possible.
Previous FILMmaker of the Year winners include: Jacob Young (2015); Lawrence Cumbo (2014); John Nakashima (2013); Bob Gates, deceased (2012); Robert Tinnell (2011); Mari-Lynn Evans (2010); Russ Barbour (2009); Steve Gilliland (2008); C. Shawn Bennett (2007); Gerry Milnes (2006); B.J. Gudmundsson (2005); Raymond Schmitt, deceased (2004); and Daniel Boyd (2003).
The FILMmaker of the Year Award, since its inception, has designed by artist Bill Hopen (billhopen.com).
