Editor

Two emerging filmmakers have been selected to receive the Garret Scott Documentary Development Grant. Created by family, friends and colleagues this year following the death of the young, innovative filmmaker Garrett Scott, the grant recognizes first-time filmmakers for their work in progress.

Only thirty-seven at the time of his death in 2005, Garrett Scott made a distinctive mark in documentary films during his short career. His work examined how the forces of state power and economics impact individuals and stylistically broke conventions and provided new perspectives on familiar locales from suburbia to Iraq's frontline. Without any formal training in film, he directed Cul De Sac: A Suburban War Story, examining the case of a methamphetamine addict who stole a tank from an armory and went on a rampage through the San Diego suburbs. The film prompted Filmmaker Magazine to cite Scott as one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film. He went on to make Occupation: Dreamland, co-directed with Ian Olds, about U.S. soldiers in Falluja, Iraq. The film won prizes at Full Frame and the Independent Spirit Awards. Both films were broadcast by the Sundance Channel.


Garrett Scott’s friends, family and colleagues established this development grant to help other emerging filmmakers reach their potential. They asked Full Frame Documentary Film Festival to be a part of the process and to open the festival up to the recipients in a special way. To choose the winners, the grant’s selection committee looked for filmmakers who, like Garrett, bring a unique vision to the content and style of documentary films. The grant funds first-time documentary filmmakers for travel and accommodations to the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. For four days, grant recipients will be given access to films, participate in master classes and be mentored by experienced filmmakers. In addition, the festival will screen Scott's first film, Cul De Sac: A Suburban War Story during this year's festival.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce this year’s recipients of the Garrett Scott Development Grant.” states Ian Olds, Scott’s co-director, “Out of over 160 applicants in the grant’s inaugural year, Robin Hessman and Lee Lynch stood out as two emerging filmmakers who truly reflect the spirit of Garrett’s work. Their submitted work samples demonstrated both a thoughtful engagement with their subjects and a distinctive cinematic approach to storytelling. We are honored to assist them in the development of their projects and look forward to seeing the finished work!"

“We were deeply touched that Garrett Scott's friends, family and colleagues asked us to be a part of their inspired memorial." says Nancy Buirski, festival founder, CEO and Artistic Director. “Scott's work reminds us how passion for one's art can change not only your own life, but so many others as well. The Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant is a testament to a remarkable artist whose determination to make documentaries will live on through this legacy."

Recipient Robin Hessman’s solo directorial debut and work-in-progress is Russia’s Pepsi Generation, a film about the last generation of Soviet children to grow up behind the Iron Curtain. She has produced several documentaries including the Peabody Award-winning Tupperware!

Recipient Lee Lynch’s feature length portrait film entitled, The Last Buffalo Hunt, looks at the last wild herd of buffalo in the United States. The film follows the annual buffalo hunt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a select group of hunters who win the lottery. Lynch is currently enrolled in the MFA art program at USC. His short The Wash has shown at Full Frame, Vienna and Rotterdam.

Lauded by local, national, and international outlets for its programming, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is the choice for many filmmakers for World Premieres and special sneak previews. Full Frame, celebrating its 10th anniversary April 12-15, features four full days of over 100 films, panels, industry events and special programs.