Henry and Hart recognized by University of Texas Film Institute

April 5, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas—University of Texas at Austin alumnus Kyle Henry (Master of Fine Arts ’99) and College of Communication Dean Roderick P. Hart, Ph.D., have been honored with The University of Texas Film Institute’s Vanguard and Leadership Awards, respectively.

The Vanguard Award recognizes recent University of Texas alumni whose creative or technical achievements are making waves in the film industry. Henry’s first feature film, “Room,” was an official selection at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and earned two nominations from Film Independent’s 2006 Independent Spirit Awards, including the John Cassavettes Award. Following a benefit premiere of “Room” tomorrow, the film begins a run at the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, April 7.

Henry also edited “The Cassidy Kids,” the most recent release from The University of Texas Film Institute and Burnt Orange Productions, which premiered at SXSW last month.

The Leadership Award, which recognizes vision and dedication to the advancement of film education, was given to Hart for his ongoing support of The University of Texas Film Institute. Hart’s guidance has been instrumental in the Film Institute’s progress toward changing the film school model through its public-private partnership with Burnt Orange Productions.

This is the first time The University of Texas Film Institute has presented these awards. The Film Institute plans to present the award each year to honor University of Texas at Austin graduates and supporters making a difference in independent film and film education.

About The University of Texas Film Institute

Established in 2003, The University of Texas Film Institute (UTFI) is committed to a new model of film education. UTFI provides hands-on specialized skill training, fosters individual and collaborative creative growth, and serves as a testing ground for the application of emerging film technologies. Based in the College of Communication and operating in close association with the Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin, the UTFI enables students to become skilled professionals, artistic visionaries and pioneers of an ever-changing medium.

For more information contact: Megan Gilbride, University of Texas Film Institute, 512-232-5898.