Focus Features CEO and award-winning writer/producer James Schamus will be honored with the Trailblazer Award at the 9th annual Woodstock Film Festival (WFF) on October 4th.
“We are honored and delighted to be presenting James Schamus with the 2008 Trailblazer Award,” said Meira Blaustein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the festival. “The award was created with the intention of honoring those who have taken an innovative and transforming approach in the film industry. Mr. Schamus surpasses those objectives. The fact the he has exhibited excellence in both business and creativity sets him apart from all his peers.”
Mr. Schamus commented, “I’m touched to be receiving this honor from one of my very favorite film festivals – one that carries on the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterizes its hometown.”
Mr. Schamus is chief executive officer (CEO) of Focus Features and Professor in Columbia University’s School of the Arts, where he teaches film history and theory. An integral contributor to the American independent film business for over two decades, he has the unique distinction of being an award-winning screenwriter and producer who is also a film executive.
