The Slamdance Film Festival hierarchy announced that Christopher Nolan will receive the inaugural Slamdance Founder’s Award.

Nolan’s first film Following came out in 1998 and screened at Slamdance. He will collect the honour on January 18 in Park City.

“Throughout his incredible successes, Christopher Nolan has stood firmly behind the Slamdance film-making community,” said Slamdance president and co-founder.

“We are honoured to present him with Slamdance’s inaugural Founder’s Award.”

“I’m honoured to be recognised by a festival that gave me some of my first opportunities to connect with an audience,” said Nolan. “Slamdance continues to provide an important forum for emerging filmmakers and I’m proud to be part of their history.”

The 20th Slamdance Film Festival will take place from January 17-23.