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2012 Mayor's Film Award Recipient Announced: Benjamin Kasulke

Seattle – Today Mayor Mike McGinn announced the 2012 recipient of the 7th Annual Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film: Ben Kasulke.

"Ben's impressive film cinematography career, his championship of Seattle as a thriving place to make movies, and his commitment to the local film community make him an obvious honoree this year," said Mayor McGinn.

The Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film recognizes an individual or entity for exceptional work that has significantly contributed to the growth, advancement and reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city.

The five Seattle film industry representatives on the Nomination and Selection Committee considered many deserving people before reaching a unanimous decision on the 2011 nomination, Benjamin Kasulke.

A graduate of Cinema Production studies at Ithaca College, Benjamin Kasulke has cultivated a vibrant career as cinematographer for acclaimed feature films and championing Seattle as a significant filmmaking city.

"Ben Kasulke is so prolific, I often imagine his credit will appear on my home movies," said Warren Etheredge, host of The High Bar and founder of the Warren Report.  "Ben doesn't just work hard, he works exceptionally well, serving every story with elegance and every director with good humor. He is, literally, a giant amongst men; figuratively, his skills, head and shoulders above the rest."

"This is an unbelievable honor to be presented with.  This award is a testament to the ongoing championing by the City of the filmmaking community that is fortunate enough to call Seattle home. I could not be happier following in the footsteps of some of my favorite beloved collaborators in accepting the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film," said Kasulke.

Kasulke has lensed over a dozen local feature length and short films including Lynn Shelton's Humpday (2009 Sundance Special Jury Prize Winner), and Megan Griffiths' The Off Hours. 

In 2012, Kasulke was profiled by Variety Magazine as one of "Ten Cinematographers To Watch," and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Griffiths' The Off Hours.  Kasulke's work has screened at film festivals including Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, Sundance, and Cannes Film Festival Director's Fortnight.

In addition to his impressive body of cinematography, Kasulke has mentored burgeoning filmmakers through his work at SIFF and Northwest Film Forum classes and events. The Northwest Film Forum is a community arts organization which aids more than 150 filmmakers each year through workshops, access to filmmaking equipment and unique screening opportunities, which houses two cinema screens, editing suites, classrooms and filmmaker offices.

"I congratulate Ben on this recognition, which speaks to his great body of film work, his steadfast support and stewardship of the local independent film industry, and his continued involvement in local organizations such as the Northwest Film Forum and Seattle International Film Festival," said James Keblas, director of the Office of Film + Music. 

Benjamin Kasulke Local Feature Filmography:

• Touchy Feely
• Your Sister's Sister
• Improvement Club
• Treatment
• Safety Not Guaranteed
• The Catechism Cataclysm
• The Off Hours
• $5 Cover Seattle
• Wheedle's Groove
• Humpday
• Calimari Union (remake)
• We Go Way Back
• My Effortless Brilliance
• Brand Upon The Brain!

The 7th Annual Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film will be presented officially by Mayor Mike McGinn during the opening ceremony of the Seattle International Film Festival, to be held this year on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at McCaw Hall.

Previous award winners are Don Jensen, James Longley, Michael Seiwerath, Lynn Shelton, Simon James & David Sabee, and Jennifer Roth.  More information about previous recipients can be found at http://seattle.gov/filmandmusic/news/mayorsfilmaward.htm

The Office of Film + Music is designed to grow Seattle's entertainment industries.  By focusing on the growth of businesses, revenue, jobs and wages, the office strives to make Seattle a great place to MAKE A LIVING making film, music and interactive digital media.  From promoting Seattle as a business destination to issuing public-use permits, the Office of Film + Music brings in over $21 million annually to the City of Seattle from out-of-state business and is accountable locally to industries, which combined, generate over $1.6 billion in revenue and create over 16,000 jobs. http://www.seattle.gov/filmandmusic

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Office of the Mayor

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