Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Student Films Two student films were honored at the Caucus Awards dinner on December 7, 2008. The Gold Circle Award for Outstanding Student Film was presented to writer/director Steven Edell for his film "A Son's War" and producer/director/director Nicolas Delgado for his film "The Macabre World of Lavender Williams." "A Son's War" Prague, 1939: A Jewish boy unknowingly tears his family apart when a Nazi officer forces him to choose between his freedom and his mother's honor. It is the first hand account of the impossible choices faced by Jews during that period and how standing one's moral ground often had terrible consequences. "The Macabre World of Lavender Williams" Eight year-old Lavender Williams, who recently lost her mother to cancer, sets off on an epic journey to find her Dad, whom she's never met. Her only companion is Lester, her late pet who's returned from the grave to help her. But the journey won't be easy for the girl and her zombie dog, for the evil presence of Sheriff Murdstone stalks them at every turn… Caucus Foundation Presents $23,000 In Grants To Aid Five Student Filmmakers The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation has selected five student filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to receive $23,000 collectively in the Foundation's Fall 2008 Student Grant Program, it was announced by Foundation President Chuck Fries. Students receive assistance to complete their student thesis films. $663,500 has been presented to 79 students since the awards program was established in 2001. Recipients of this year's grants are: Jarrett Lee Conaway, USC, for his film, “Turbo”; Michael Johnson, USC, for his film, “Brothers Incorporated”; Tatiana Lamela-Rabell, Columbia University, for “Holy Water”; Shilpi P. Roy, USC, for “The Indian and The Samuri”; Marcin Stawarz, Columbia University, for “Today & Tomorrow”. Read More Entertainment Night Check back soon for an update on Entertainment Night 2009. "Being a part of the Caucus grant program has been a true honor.  Its generosity has made it possible for me to complete my film exactly as I had always hoped without being forced to sacrifice on my vision.  On top of that, Bill Blinn has been an amazing mentor as I begin my journey into the film industry.  His insightful comments on my writing have helped elevate it to another level.  Being chosen as the recipient of the Gold Circle Award by such talented and respected members of the filmmaking community has been absolutely thrilling.  I cannot begin to articulate how grateful I am to the Caucus Foundation for its incredible support." - Stephen Edell, USC