The Atlanta Film Festival established the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award in 2014 to give our Kickstarter Backers Jury—a segment of contributors to our annual Kickstarter campaigns—the opportunity to spotlight a filmmaker from whom they're excited to see more. This year, their votes named Ian Samuels, director of "Myrna the Monster," our Mountainfilm On Tour ATL 2015 Filmmaker-to-Watch! Ian's short film, which combines live action and puppetry, was selected from ten Official Selections chosen for competition by ATLFF Shorts Programmer Christina Humphrey.

"Despite the fantastic competition, it came as no surprise that Myrna (voiced by Kathleen Hanna) stole everyone's heart. Funnily enough, I think there's something very humanizing about feeling like an alien, and our audience clearly responded to that. Furthermore, Atlanta is ravenous for puppetry and Ian will be in good company!" Humphrey said.

Check out Ian's reaction:

Based in Los Angeles, Ian's work has has been chosen for international screenings at festivals and venues including Sundance, SXSW, Telluride and Slamdance.

He received his MFA in film directing from California Institute of the Arts and a BFA in film and video from Bard College.  He is a 2014 Film Independent Project: Involve fellow and has worked for Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Company.

"Myrna the Monster" screens in the Other Worlds block on Sunday, March 22 at 4:30pm in The Plaza's Main Theatre.

Get your tickets and secure the chance to say "I knew him when!" Many thanks to our Kickstarter Backers Jury, and congratulations to Ian!