New York, NY (November 21, 2012) – The Adrienne Shelly Foundation announced yesterday evening that its 6^th Annual IFP Labs Director’s Grant is awarded to Stacie Passon for her film Concussion. The Grant was awarded at the Foundation’s 2^nd Annual “Woman of Vision Salute”, honoring filmmaker Lena Dunham.

Concussion is currently participating in IFP’s 2012 Narrative Independent Filmmaker Labs and is in post-production, looking towards an early 2013 festival premiere.

Concussion follows Abby, a disengaged wealthy lesbian housewife stuck in the suburbs. After a concussion-inducing hit to the face, something inside her ignites; she craves more than her boring, saturated existence. She buys a loft in the city to fix up and sell. Then, she sees a prostitute, and then another, and is drawn into the life herself. Stacie Passon is the writer and director of Concussion; the film is produced by Rose Troche, and executive produced by Anthony Cupo and Cliff Chenfeld. www.concussionmovie.com

Given in memory of actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, the IFP Labs Director’s Grant is a competitive award that grants a female director $5,000 in finishing funds to their Labs project or as seed money towards a new project.  IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs are a unique year-long mentorship program supporting first-time feature directors when they need it most:  through the completion, marketing and distribution of their films.  Focusing exclusively on low-budget features (under $1million), this highly immersive program provides filmmakers with the technical, creative and strategic tools necessary to launch their films – and their careers. (www.ifp.org/programs/labs)

Andy Ostroy, widower of Adrienne Shelly and Founder/Executive Director of the foundation which bears her name, said of Concussion, “It’s an important film that tackles adult relationship themes in a very unique manner, forsaking the traditional clichés and presenting them with an honesty and realism with which many couples will surely identify.”

The jury for the IFP Labs Director’s Grant consists of board members of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation: producers Adam Brightman (Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist) and Jen Small (The Toe Tactic), as well as Andy Ostroy.

The other finalists for the Director’s Grant are Kat Candler, writer/director of Hellion and Kimberly Levin, writer/director of Cantuckee.

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the uniquely gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose highly accomplished life was tragically cut short November 1, 2006. ASF supports the artistic achievements of female actors, writers and directors through a series of scholarships and grants, providing recipients with financial support and consultative access to the Foundation’s advisory board of actors, directors, producers, composers, law, publicity, academic and trade professionals. Reflecting Adrienne’s spirit, generosity, courage and whimsy, its goal is to recognize the tremendous passion and commitment of women artists in creating their own work, and provide them with support and guidance particularly during periods of transition and struggle. More information: www.adrienneshellyfoundation.org