First ceremony to be held in early 2015.

On the eve of Sundance and Slamdance, Michael Tully, filmmaker and editor of HammerToNail.com, and Eric Lavallee, founder and editor of IONCINEMA.com, are partnering to launch the American Independent Film Awards (AIFAs), which will honour micro-budget US films.

Tully [pictured], whose Ping Pong Summer has its world premiere at Sundance, said: “There are way too many awards shows as it is, and yet Eric and I have become frustrated with the way truly excellent work is marginalized every year simply because it doesn’t have the money to play with the big boys.

“We feel that the time has come for us to give birth to an annual celebration of low-budget filmmaking  in which the decisions aren’t dictated by dollars; they’re driven by our love for these movies - plain and simple.”

Lavallée added: “I’m convinced that there is gap a void in the award seasons tapestry when it comes to honoring and celebrating truly independent film.

“Joining forces with the film obsessed Michael Tully, a staple of the indie scene, ensures that the project will get off on the right foot. With a lot of elbow grease and industry support, I’m looking forward to the challenges in the year ahead.”

The duo plan to launch the first awards ceremony in the first quarter of 2015. More announcements will follow in the coming months.



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