OCTFME RECOGNIZES AMY GERBER AS THE AUGUST 2024 FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH

Washington, D.C. - The DC Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music & Entertainment (OCTFME) is excited to announce Amy Gerber as the Filmmaker of the Month for August 2024, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the film industry over the past 25 years. A renowned producer and director of independent films, Gerber has earned acclaim at national and international film festivals, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the world of cinema. Throughout her illustrious career, Amy Gerber has produced and directed a diverse range of independent films, emphasizing the intersections of memory, culture, and history. Her imaginative vision and directorial expertise have been highlighted in her thought-provoking films, captivating audiences and critics alike.

In addition to her directorial work, Gerber's influence extends to her role as a casting associate for 12 major motion pictures in the 90s, contributing to iconic titles such as "Angels In The Outfield," "Tank Girl," "Goldeneye," and "The Mask of Zorro." Her collaborative efforts with major studios including Disney, Warner Bros., and Columbia Pictures have further solidified her impact in the film industry.

Amy Gerber's dedication to advancing the art of filmmaking is also reflected in her position as the chair of the film department at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of filmmakers. Her commitment to education and mentorship underscores her passion for nurturing emerging talent and shaping the future of cinema.

"Amy's exceptional contributions to the film industry over the past 25 years, as a renowned producer, director, and educator, have truly made a lasting impact in DC, Virginia, and beyond. Here at OCTFME, we celebrate her remarkable achievements and dedication to advancing the art of filmmaking," says Director LaToya Foster.

"I am deeply honored to be considered for the OCTFME's Filmmaker of the Month, especially thrilled to be in the company of all the talented DC filmmakers who have previously received this award. Although my filmmaking and teaching have taken me to places nationally and internationally, my heart remains in DC, where my roots are, and where I produced my first films," says Amy.

In response to recent challenges in educating Black history and the removal of related books from libraries, Amy Gerber emphasizes the importance of creating films that celebrate and illuminate Black history. Her latest film, "Hope of Escape," represents a significant chapter in Black history, aiming to inspire further research, storytelling, and teaching about the historical lives of Black people in America. Through her work, Gerber champions the urgent need to tell more stories about women of color in history, aiming to shed light on their significant contributions to American history and ensure a more inclusive representation in historical narratives.

Amy is currently working to create an online film research/scholar archive called the Hope of Escape Research Archive (HERA) where filmmakers and scholars interested in 19th-century Black history can find resources and view materials that accumulated when producing her film, Hope of Escape. This will be a user-friendly site for scholars, families interested in researching their Black heritage, and filmmakers who can use the site for their project research. One of her upcoming film projects currently in development is an untitled documentary about one of the first women to ever pilot the U2 spy plane. The film follows national hero Cholene Espinoza, ousted from the Air Force under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and how she has, against all odds, continued her life of service as a medical doctor.

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About FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the "Filmmaker of the Month" initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The "Filmmaker of the Month" initiative is part of OCTFME's mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District's talented filmmakers.

• The District's government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
• DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME's owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University's WHUR.
• District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE), OCTFME's 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com).
• The handling of all of the District's filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (DC Rebate Fund).
• Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia's rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.

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