LA Times Profiles Caucus Foundation Award Recipient Grant winner Nathan Collett was recognized by the Caucus Foundation for his film Kibera Kid. He has gone on to found a film school in Kenya. Read the full story. Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Student Films Two student films were honored at the Caucus Awards Dinner on December 6, 2009. First place Gold Circle Award for Outstanding Student Film was presented to director/writer Jarrett Lee Conaway of University of Southern California for his film "Turbo". Second Place Gold Circle Award was presented to director/writer John Baldino of Chapman University for his film "The Snallygaster Tale". "Turbo" In the near future teenagers turn to one outlet for their angst, a photo-realistic arcade fighting game called Super Turbo Arena 2, where they battle as virtual gladiators. "The Snallygaster Tale" During the Great Depression, a young boy befriends a white hen on his father's chicken farm, only to discover that his affection for the animal may be at odds with his own survival. Caucus Presents $20,000 in Grants to Aid Four Student Filmmakers The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation has selected four student filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to receive $20,000 collectively in the Foundation's Fall 2009 Student Grant Program, it was announced by Foundation President Chuck Fries. Students receive assistance to complete their student thesis films. $805,000 has been presented to 88 students since the awards program was established in 2001. Recipients of this year's grants are: Jacob Jaffke, Columbia University, for his film, "Off Season"; David J Kelly, UCLA, for his film, "Stay Still"; Jenna Lyng, Emerson College for "As They Fade"; Lauren Wolkstein, Columbia University, for "Cigarette Candy". Read More "Making my thesis was an incredibly challenging endeavor and without the support of the Caucus Foundation I wouldn't have been able to complete it. Not only has this organization been essential in funding my project, but it has provided me the chance to meet a network of filmmakers and industry professionals that I hope to work with in the future. I'm also incredibly thankful for the opportunity and exposure the Caucus and Panavision have given me as the Gold Circle award recipient. This award has reassured me that I am on the right path to fulfilling my dreams of being a director and with it I plan on completing my first feature film." - Jarrett Lee Conaway