Tim Orr, a 1998 NCSA School of Filmmaking graduate in cinematography, and T. Todd Flinchum, a 1994 NCSA School of Design and Production graduate in stage management, have been nominated for Independent Spirit Awards.

Orr was nominated for Best Cinematography for DANDELION. Orr is pictured at right, with faculty members Arledge Armenaki (center) and  David Elkins (right), during a past visit to NCSA.

Flinchum was nominated for the John Cassavetes Award for producing ROBBING PETER, along with writer/director Mario F. de la Vega and Lisa Y. Garibay. The John Cassavetes Award is given to the best feature made for less than $500,000; it is presented to the film's writer, director and producer.

In addition, Ross McElwee is nominated for Best Documentary for BRIGHT LEAVES, which is about the history of the tobacco industry in North Carolina. The NCSA School of Filmmaking is featured in this film; McElwee shot on campus the last time he was a guest artist here, and used the footage in the film, according to School of Filmmaking Dean Dale Pollock. 

Several of the films nominated for Independent Spirit Awards have been shown at Films on Fourth or at the RiverRun International Film Festival, Pollock noted.  

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony is the vanguard event in independent film, recognizing the achievements of independent filmmakers and promoting independent film to a wider audience.  The awards will be announced on Feb. 26, 2005. For more information, visit www.ifp.org.