L'Oreal Paris and Women In Film to Present the L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth 'Vision' Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival

L'Oreal Paris and Women In Film to Present the L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth 'Vision' Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival

NEW YORK, Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth "Vision" Award will be presented by L'Oreal and Women In Film (WIF) to a female documentary filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The first-time Sundance presentation will take place on Monday, January 21st as a highlight of Variety's annual "10 Directors to Watch" event. The recipient will be chosen by a jury comprised of members of Women in Film, a non-profit organization devoted to the development, support, and promotion of women in the field of entertainment.

As one of the Sundance Film Festival's sponsors, L'Oreal Paris created the Women of Worth "Vision" award to honor a female filmmaker whose work reflects the spirit of L'Oreal's new Women of Worth initiative, a grassroots program that recognizes women from around the country who serve their communities, inspire others by example, and have an innate sense of social responsibility and act on it.

"The four simple words -- Because I'm Worth It -- are a galvanizing and unifying force for the L'Oreal Paris community," says Carol Hamilton, president, L'Oreal Paris. "The Women of Worth initiative brings this message to life, and now we're thrilled to be able to extend it even further, recognizing female filmmakers whose visions echo this vital program's ideals."

L'Oreal has teamed with Women In Film for this selection process because, for 35 years, WIF has been committed to creating opportunities for women in the entertainment business and nurturing their independent vision.

Female directors participating in the festival are eligible for the award, and the winner will receive a $15,000 cash award from L'Oreal Paris to help further her creative vision through filmmaking. The first L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth "Vision" Award was presented to Screenwriter Cherien Dabis at the Tribeca All Access awards ceremony at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2007.

About L'Oreal Paris:

The L'Oreal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories -- haircolor, cosmetics, haircare, and skincare -- and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Natural Match, Feria, and Couleur Experte haircolors; VIVE Pro, Studio Line, and L'Oreal Kids hair care; Dermo-Expertise skin care, including Advanced Revitalift, Age Perfect, Men's Expert, Skin Genesis, Sublime Glow and Sublime Bronze; and L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics, including Colour Riche, True Match, Bare Naturale, and Wear Infinite collections, Voluminous, Double Extend, Telescopic, and Volume Shocking mascaras, among many others, and the HIP High Intensity Pigments line.

About Women of Worth:

The Women of Worth initiative is inspired by L'Oreal Paris' iconic signature phrase, "Because I'm Worth It" and recognizes the achievements of real women who embody the spirit of the L'Oreal brand -- women who possess self-confidence and are committed to distinguishing their lives by making a difference in the lives of others.

In 2007, 13 women were recognized for their work and each received a $2,500 donation on behalf of the charity that they work with. A matching donation will be made to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the ten year charitable partner of L'Oreal Paris. One woman among the 13 will be selected as the national honoree by an online vote open to the public and receive an additional $25,000 donation in her name to her charity. Visit www.womenofworth.com for more information.

About Women In Film:

Women In Film is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communications and media industries and to preserving the legacy of women within those industries.

Founded in 1973, Women In Film and its Women In Film Foundation provide members with an extensive network of contacts, educational programs, scholarships, film finishing funds and grants, access to employment opportunities, mentorships and numerous practical services in support of this mission.

In the independent film world, WIF focuses on assisting female independent filmmakers who have exhibited advanced and innovative skills, specifically through its Film Finishing Fund and award-winning PSA Program.

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Source: L'Oreal Paris

CONTACT: Jodi Balkan, L'Oreal Paris Public Relations, +1-212-984-4561,
jbalkan@us.loreal.com

Web site:

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/
http://www.womenofworth.com/

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