Kimberly Peirce (Stop-Loss, Boys Don’t Cry) to Receive Saris Award

The Columbia University Film Festival's eighth annual Andrew Sarris Award will be awarded to director/writer/producer Kimberly Peirce, an alumna of Columbia University School of the Arts Film Division (M.F.A. '96). The Sarris Award—named after world-renowned critic, theorist, and Film Division faculty member Andrew Sarris—honors outstanding service and artistic achievement of distinguished alumni. The winner of the award is selected by current Film Division students.

Peirce, the acclaimed director of Boys Don't Cry and Stop Loss (both of which she also co-wrote), will receive the award on May 9th at the McGraw-Hill Theatre in New York City at the Columbia University Film Festival's Faculty Selects Screenplay Readings.

"It's such an honor to receive an award from the Columbia Film Division, which was instrumental in my development as an artist and a filmmaker—especially since it's coming from students who are in the same position I was in just a few years ago," said Peirce. "I am looking forward to returning to Columbia to accept this award and to share my experiences as a filmmaker with the next generation of filmmakers and artists."

Screenplay Readings begin at 5:30 pm; the award ceremony and reception immediately follow. For tickets and the complete Columbia University Film Festival schedule, please visit www.cufilmfest.com