Hollins University Professor and Chair of Film Amy Gerber-Stroh has been honored as the Filmmaker of the Month for August 2024 by the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) in Washington, D.C.
“Amy’s exceptional contributions to the film industry over the past 25 years as a renowned producer, director, and educator have truly made a lasting impact in DC, Virginia, and beyond,” states OCTFME Director LaToya Foster. “Here at OCTFME, we celebrate her remarkable achievements and dedication to advancing the art of filmmaking.”
“I am deeply honored to be considered for the OCTFME’s Filmmaker of the Month,” Gerber-Stroh says, “and especially thrilled to be in the company of all the talented DC filmmakers who have previously received this award.”
Gerber-Stroh has earned acclaim at national and international film festivals, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the world of cinema. Throughout her career, she has produced and directed a diverse range of independent films, emphasizing the intersections of memory, culture, and history. Her imaginative vision and directorial expertise have been highlighted in her thought-provoking films, captivating audiences and critics alike.
In addition to her directorial work, Gerber-Stroh’s influence extends to her role as a casting associate for 12 major motion pictures in the 1990s, including Angels in the Outfield, Tank Girl, Goldeneye, and The Mask of Zorro. Her collaborative efforts with major studios including Disney, Warner Bros., and Columbia Pictures have further solidified her impact in the film industry.
Gerber-Stroh’s dedication to advancing the art of filmmaking is also reflected in her position as the chair of the film department at Hollins, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of filmmakers. Her commitment to education and mentorship underscores her passion for nurturing emerging talent and shaping the future of cinema.
In response to recent challenges in educating Black history and the removal of related books from libraries, Gerber-Stroh emphasizes the importance of creating films that celebrate and illuminate Black history. Her latest film, Hope of Escape, represents a significant chapter in Black history, aiming to inspire further research, storytelling, and teaching about the historical lives of Black people in America. She is currently working to create an online film research/scholar archive called the Hope of Escape Research Archive (HERA), where filmmakers and scholars interested in 19th century Black history can find resources and view materials that accumulated when producing Hope of Escape.
Listen to Gerber-Stroh’s DC Radio interview to learn more about her work.
