PHOTOS: Ashley Judd Honored with GIFF Changemaker Award

Ginger Stickel, Colleen deVeer, Ashley Judd, Wendy Reyes Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Rain didn’t prevent the stars from celebrating the 2018 Greenwich International Film Festival. The evening included a meet & greet cocktail reception at Betteridge Jewelers, followed by a black tie awards dinner at L’Escale. Jenna Bush Hager served as Master of Ceremonies.

This year’s Changemaker Award honors artists who have used their public platform and the power of film to further positive social change. This year, actress and author Ashley Judd was honored for her work with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Duncan Edwards, the Community Changemaker honoree at the 2018 festival, was recognized for his work in education with the Waterside School in Stamford.

The school, conceived as the model for future efforts, is an independent school serving children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance. Past honorees include Renée Zellweger, Christy Turlington Burns, Freida Pinto, Trudie Styler, Abigail Breslin, Harry Belafonte and Mia Farrow.

Friday’s event will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Ms. Lauryn Hill will be the headline performer for Opening Night Party.

The party will follow the Festival’s Opening Night Film Premiere.   With a focus this year on female filmmakers and empowerment within the industry, Ms. Lauryn Hill is an exciting and timely choice of performer for the Festival. Best known for her critically acclaimed solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which earned a record-breaking five Grammy Awards, Ms. Hill is an embodiment of female strength and recognition within the music industry.

Proceeds from the Opening Night Party will benefit the Lauryn Hill Charity Fund, which supports education, health, agriculture, technology, and community-based businesses throughout the Diaspora.

Melissa Levin Development at Greenwich International Film Festival Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Wendy Reyes Chairman of the Board, Founder Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Colleen deVeer GIFF Director of Programming, Founder Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Duncan Edwards Executive Director at Waterside School Stamford,CT Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Actress and author Ashley Judd Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Harry Arora (Republican running for Congress in Connecticut’s 4th District) and Nisha Arora Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Stephanie Dunn Ashley and Lauren Clayton Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Sam Kleiner GIFF Programmer and Andrew Karpen Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Jim & Ginge Cabrera Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Eliza Kruger and Carolyn Jay Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Kristyna Sipko and Niki Adamkova Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Greenwich International Film Festival Colleen deVeer Director of Programming, Founder, Wendy Reyes Chairman of the Board, Founder , Ginger Stickel Executive Director, COO Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Terry Betteridge of Betteridge Jewelers Photo Credi: Asher Almonacy

Ginger Stickel and Produce Aaron Lubin Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Marsha Janke and Cara McCabe Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Colleen deVeer, Wendy Reyes, and Melissa Levin Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Ginger Stickel GIFF Executive Director, COO Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Naked Soul Band: (From Left to right) Kelvin king- drums, Chris Parks – bass Thomas Perrone – guitar, Anthony Perrone – keyboards, Daniel White – Sax Danielle Illario – vocals, and Jerome Bell – vocals Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy