Israeli-American nominated for Student Academy Award
Avital Epstein gets nod for 'Peace at Home,' a short shot while she was a student at Florida State University
An Israeli-American filmmaker has been nominated for a Student Academy Award, to be given in June by the same organization that hands out the Oscars.
Avital Epstein, who made her film while at Florida State University, received the nod from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her film, “Peace at Home,” will compete against seven other nominees in the “Alternative” category at the June 9 awards, which will be doled out at a ceremony in Beverly Hills.
Despite its name, Epstein’s film isn’t about Israel’s security situation, focusing instead on the discovery of an illicit affair between neighbors.
The film’s selection means it will be viewed by members of the Academy, which will give out financial prizes to the winners.
The movie’s nomination puts Epstein in rarefied company. Past winners of the Student Academy Award include John Lasseter, who later earned a standard-issue Oscar for his work on “Toy Story.”