Fine Cut Festival of Films Press Materials | KCET

Title

Fine Cut Festival of Films Press Materials

Press Contact
JP Shields
(747) 201 - 5886
jpshields@kcet.org

The festival is a tribute to FINE CUT founder Jack Larson who was an American actor, librettist, screenwriter and producer who may be best known for his portrayal of photographer/reporter Jimmy Olsen in the 1952-1958 television series “Adventures of Superman.” In the late 1990s Larson approached Southern California’s KCET with the idea of creating a student film series that would provide talented students with the much needed opportunity to have their short films selected for television broadcast. Larson understood how difficult it was for young filmmakers to get broad exposure for their work because, typically, student work is only seen at special screenings and film festivals. Larson thought that public television was an excellent platform for providing critical visibility to emerging filmmakers. KCET shared Larson’s enthusiasm and together they created FINE CUT, which continues to be a flagship program for KCET today.

Fine Cut is made possible by a generous grant from The Bridges / Larson Foundation. A variety of prize packages valued between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded to the winners with one receiving the opportunity to be a part of the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker showcase at the Cannes International Film Festival in May of 2021 (to be confirmed based on travel restrictions) thanks to a partnership with The American Pavilion, the epicenter of American hospitality and communication at the world’s largest film market. All short films selected as finalists in the FINE CUT Festival of Films will be included in a series of one-hour broadcast episodes on KCET public television in Southern California that will air starting Wed., Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. on KCET in Southern California and on Thurs., Oct. 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Link TV nationwide (Dish Network 9410 and DirecTV 375), with many films available for streaming at kcet.org/finecut.