Lights, Camera, Newnan: Filmmaking Joins Creative Ranks of UWG’s Blackwell PrizesShare this page
From the silver screen to the center stage at the University of West Georgia, award-winning filmmaker Anu Valia will make history this fall as the first recipient of the Blackwell Prize in Filmmaking.
The $10,000 award is the newest addition to the prestigious Blackwell Prize lineup, which already honors excellence in writing, observational painting and music.
Dr. Chad Davidson, executive director of global engagements and cultural programming at UWG, said the expansion reflects the Blackwell Trust’s longstanding commitment to the arts.
“Thanks to Fred and Nell Blackwell, the trust is devoted to the beautification and betterment of Newnan through cultural and artistic projects,” he explained. “Because of Fred and Nell’s vision and generosity, UWG’s Culture Lab awards no fewer than four prestigious Blackwell Prizes in writing, observational painting, music and now filmmaking.”
Dr. Brad Yates, dean of the School of Communications, Film and Media, called Valia’s selection “a remarkable opportunity” for both UWG and Newnan High School students.
“The UWG School of Communication, Film and Media is thrilled to welcome Anu Valia as the inaugural recipient of the Blackwell Prize in Filmmaking and our first filmmaker-in-residence,” Yates said. “Her visit will give students a rare chance to engage directly with an award-winning filmmaker and learn about her craft, inspirations and deep passion for creativity, art and storytelling.”
Yates also expressed gratitude to the Film & Video Production faculty for selecting “such a distinguished artist to launch this initiative,” to Davidson for his “invaluable guidance during the selection process,” and to the Blackwell Trust of Newnan for its “generous support in spotlighting filmmaking in our community.”
Deon Kay, professor and head of the Film & Video Production program, said Valia’s wide-ranging career offers students valuable insight.
“Anu Valia is a supremely talented, agile and experienced filmmaker, and it’s a gift for our students to have sustained and meaningful time with someone whose career spans so many corners of the industry,” Kay said.
He noted her work ranges “from award-winning short films to directing for television, and now the theatrical release of her debut feature,” and that her breadth of experience “is incredibly valuable.”
“There’s no single path into media production,” Kay added. “Because she’s traveled so many, she can offer our students thoughtful guidance as they navigate their own professional and creative futures.”
Valia will speak to the public as part of The Other Night School: An Evening with Anu Valia on Tuesday, Aug. 26, on UWG’s Newnan campus. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by a 6:30 p.m. talk. The event is free and open to students, faculty, and the community, but registration is required.
A Sundance Jury Prize winner, Valia is recognized for her work across short films, television and independent features. Her 2017 short, “Lucia, Before and After,” earned the U.S. Fiction Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and her debut feature, “We Strangers,” premiered at SXSW in 2024.
Her directing credits include acclaimed series such as “Shrinking (Apple TV+),” “She-Hulk” (Disney+), “The Afterparty” (Apple TV+), “Never Have I Ever” (Netflix), “Shrill” (Hulu) and “And Just Like That” (HBO). She also serves as executive producer and pilot director for Apple TV’s “Big Door Prize.”
To learn more about programs and events hosted by the UWG Culture Lab, visit this website.