Adrienne Shelly Foundation - Supporting Women Filmmakers

On this blog, I've written passionately about supporting women artists and making sure female film directors get the recognition they deserve. That's why I'm excited to share information about a wonderful nonprofit that is working hard to support women filmmakers across the U.S.

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose life was tragically cut short in November 2006. Adrienne wrote, directed and acted in three feature films, Sudden Manhattan, I'll Take You There, and Waitress, which premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Here actress Keri Russell shares her thoughts on how the organization commemorates Adrienne's life and career:

The foundation was established to help young women pursue their filmmaking dreams, and to assist others in making the same leap from acting to writing and directing as Adrienne had done so successfully.

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation supports the artistic achievements of female actors, writers and directors through a series of scholarships and grants, providing recipients with financial support and consultative access to the Foundation's advisory board of actors, directors, producers, composers, law, publicity, academic and trade professionals. Reflecting Adrienne's spirit, generosity, courage and whimsy, our goal is to recognize the tremendous passion and commitment of women artists in creating their own work, and provide them with support and guidance particularly during periods of transition and struggle.

I'm happy to know that an organization like this exists and I hope to share more news about their events and initiatives in the future.