Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/832212
66 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2017 66 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2017 for her work as an editor. She is such a great storyteller as well as a wonderful collaborator. She knows how to make the most of footage, or the lack thereof — think imagery that has been destroyed, recycled or just shreds when you try to play the three-quarter-inch news footage back again... Having worked with Lillian during the Eyes on the Prize II series, I am so pleased that she is being so honored. Thank you for recognizing her dedication, her hard work and her creative brilliance. Alison Bassett Colleague; Producer n L illian Benson is the rare editor who brings both experience and an open mind to a project. Fellowship and Service is an appropriately named award for her because it is what she brings to her life and what is reflected in her process and work. When she agreed to "take the chair" for my documentary film, Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Lillian brought her thoughtful creativity to the project. And in the process, I gained a friend. Even though it was my first major production, she never made me feel like the neophyte that I was. She listened to even my most harebrained ideas and improved them. Even better, she had ideas when I ran out of them. Flash forward 10 years and I jumped at the opportunity to work with her again. However brief that experience, it was then that I realized the joy of working with a mindful and generous artist like Lillian. Not only is it what you learn about the creative process, but what you learn about yourself in the process. Thank you, Lillian — and congratulations! Phil Bertelsen Friend/Colleague; Producer, Director n L illian Benson is one of the first people I met in the American Cinema Editors. She was on the Membership Committee way back when I came to interview to become a member. She has a perfect storm of great qualities: professionalism, dedication to her craft, dignity, humor and a sincere desire to give back to the editing community. Her work always impresses me. She edits films and TV shows that are often thoughtful and complex, which is not surprising. Directors and producers probably find her a go-to editor for that material, because she brings so much — creatively and intellectually — to the table. I've been on the Board of ACE with Lillian for eight years. I consider her a role model. She finds time to pursue her career, but also manages to participate in numerous committees, all requiring her time, attention and often her attendance. Somehow she seems to juggle everything. She stands for the betterment of all editors and especially wants to see the rise of young editors of color. She's a mentor and an advisor, and I've seen her speak to young people with a combination of empathy and toughness. She is nurturing, but doesn't accept anything but an honest best effort from those just starting out and I can't think of a better way to teach future editors. She doesn't pull punches, but she's always there and ready to assist and support. Aside from everything else, she's absolutely one of the loveliest human beings I've ever met. Anita Brandt-Burgoyne, ACE Colleague; Editor n I met Lillian 26 years ago when she hired me as her assistant editor on the documentary The Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry. It was my first job as a freelancer and I was quite nervous. Lillian was already well known for her incredible work on Eyes on the Prize II. Once I began working with her, it quickly became apparent how fortunate I was to have met this special person. Not only was she nurturing and encouraging, but Lillian also gave me some of the best advice about the editing profession. I remember her saying to me, "Even after years of working as an editor, I am still learning the craft. It takes time and curiosity about the world to become a great editor." Over the span of her career, her exemplary work on numerous projects is a testimony to someone who has mastered her craft. Throughout the years, Lillian's strong belief in the concept of "passing it on" has continued to impact my career, as well as many other editors'. We have watched, with admiration and pride, her fearless resolve to break down barriers in pursuit of her goals. As those walls have fallen, she has been a force in expanding opportunities not just for herself, but for a diverse group of people. Today, I am honored to be a member of ACE, thanks to Lillian's push for me to apply. She is an extraordinary editor and her mentorship and friendship has been a gift in my life. Sandra Christie, ACE Friend/Colleague/Mentee; Editor n L illian approaches her work with a very high level of professionalism. When doing documentaries, she cares deeply about telling the true story and does all that she can to ensure that. She has taught and mentored young people for as long as I have known her. She believes in helping her assistants as well as first-time directors on her own time, taking great satisfaction in seeing them advance in their careers. I often tease her that she is engaged in the "Lillian Benson Charitable Trust." The industry is lucky to have such a dedicated member. Betty Ciccarelli Friend/Colleague; Editor n L illian Benson was an amazing in- depth editing teacher who inspired me to become an editor. She taught all the bells-and-whistles technical stuff, but the real gift she gave me was the artistry of