UpTilt Filmmaker Scholarships
The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Scholarship $2000
The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Scholarship $2000
The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Scholarship $2000
Joy James, aka Livity the Poet Joy James (1979-2021) was an integral part of the Wilmington North Carolina's Theater, Film and Poetry community. Joy was born in St. Croix and moved to Wilmington in 2015. She performed her poetry at several of our film festivals and wrote, directed and starred in "Judging Eyes," which was shown at UpTilt i
Joy James, aka Livity the Poet Joy James (1979-2021) was an integral part of the Wilmington North Carolina's Theater, Film and Poetry community. Joy was born in St. Croix and moved to Wilmington in 2015. She performed her poetry at several of our film festivals and wrote, directed and starred in "Judging Eyes," which was shown at UpTilt in 2020. Joy had a magnetic personality, gentle spirit, and a passion for film. UpTilt is honored to name our female+ filmmaker scholarship, The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Grant.
The Lisa Christine Hyatt Memorial Scholarship $2000
The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Scholarship $2000
The Joy James, aka Livity The Poet Memorial Scholarship $2000
Lisa worked her entire life to use language in helping people better understand their hearts. Lisa helped establish a Women's Center, the Women's Resource Coalition and worked at an AIDS Hotline and Hope Line. In 2020, she joined the board of UpTilt Film Fest, provided invaluable feedback on film submissions and pushed the board members o
Lisa worked her entire life to use language in helping people better understand their hearts. Lisa helped establish a Women's Center, the Women's Resource Coalition and worked at an AIDS Hotline and Hope Line. In 2020, she joined the board of UpTilt Film Fest, provided invaluable feedback on film submissions and pushed the board members outside of their comfort zones to increase sponsorships in order to provide opportunities to female+ filmmakers. We are proud to name our North Carolina resident scholarship in memory and honor of Lisa Christine Hyatt.
Meet Our Scholarship Committee
Brandi Berry, M.F.A
Brandi is a tenured professor at Lincoln University in Oxford, PA, where she teachers in the Mass Communications Department. From 2020-2022, Brandi also served as Dean of First Year Students. In 2021, she was a recipient of The Mellon Grant, where she used her funds to produce a documentary about a Haitian song entitled, "Lisette," also the film's name. Brandi also serves as Special Advisor to Gotham Edu and their Executive Leadership program.
Cindy Hsieh, M.F.A
Cindy, a 2013 UNCG grad, resides in Atlanta, GA, and is a member of the International Cinematographer's Guild, Local 600. She works as a 2nd Assistant Camera in narrative film and video production. In addition to Cindy's narrative work, she is an Associate Producer and camera blocker for NBC in their figure skating coverage, Winter and Summer Olympics broadcasts. She attended her 7th Olympic Games in Beijing in February 2022.
Melissa Willenborg, M.F.A
Melissa is a documentary filmmaker, guest lecturer, and professional media producer with specialities in editing, audio acquisition, and camera operation. She is the sole proprietor of Zirin Productions LLC, a client-based media production company based in California's North Bay Area. Melissa's administered guest lectures on documentary filmmaking at Santa Barbara City College, Sonoma State University and City College of San Francisco.
Mariah Dunn Kramer, M.F.A
Mariah is a Senior Lecturer, Cinema & Media Arts at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and an independent filmmaker. She has recieved multiple awards for her work, which has screened in over twenty festivals, including the Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival and the Bend Film Festival. Mariah's short documentary, 'This is My Home Now,' was broadcast on PBS and the World Channel. Mariah also serves on the Board of Directors for the UpTilt Film Fest, which shines light on films that are written and/or directed by women+ and gender non-conforming individuals, who identify with womanhood.