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CORDILLERA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS IMPACT AWARD RENAMED
TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF FILMMAKER, JOHN SINGLETON
The Cordillera International Film Festival (CIFF) in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, and CIFF Chairman of the Board, Australian Cinematographer, Peter Menzies, Jr., are proud to honor the legacy of his colleague and friend, John Singleton, with the newly renamed The John Singleton Impact Award, honoring storytellers who give a voice to the underrepresented and inspire change through the art of screenwriting and filmmaking. The award, made possible with the collaboration of John Singleton’s five adult children, honors the legacy of the prolific film director, screenwriter and producer. Singleton was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for his film, Boyz n the Hood at the age of 24, making him the first African American and
youngest person ever nominated for that award.
“On behalf of my adult siblings, we want to extend our support and sincere appreciation to Peter Menzies, Jr. and the Cordillera International Film Festival for honoring our father's legacy with The John Singleton Impact Award,” said Maasai Singleton concerning the announcement. “Our father prided himself on mentorship and helping to elevate the next generation of filmmakers. Because of this, we unanimously agree that The John Singleton Impact Award is a thoughtful initiative
of which our father would be proud. Together with the Cordillera International Film Festival,
we will honor his legacy by elevating these voices.”
Announcing The John Singleton Impact Award was Emily Skyle-Golden, Executive Director of CIFF, stating, “We are humbled by the support of John’s children in our mission to honor the legacy of John Singleton, whose life and work was dedicated to the very principals that are the core of our festival and, most importantly, the award that now carries his name.”
Also present for the announcement was Menzies, who stated, “It was an honor to collaborate with John on several film projects, but the greater honor was calling him a friend. I’m proud to be working with CIFF and John’s children to continue to shine a light on his passion for storytelling and commitment to diversity and inclusion in our industry. "
The Impact Award was originally launched in 2017 as the Diversity Initiative which encouraged submissions from underrepresented filmmakers by sponsoring submission fees and providing dedicated prizes for those whose messages inspired change. In 2019, the award was renamed the Impact award, honoring films and screenplays with powerful messages that inspire change. Past CIFF Impact award winning films include GAME, STOP and ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN.