Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/832212
70 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2017 70 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2017 the patience to find the story in all the footage; they are essentially the writers of the narrative. It tells a lot about a person who can successfully make a career out of that. While not many documentaries are done union, Lillian appreciated being a union member because, she said, "Unions help raise the wage for all workers." It wasn't until I brought one of my mentees to an ACE event that I learned that Lillian was balancing an editing career with teaching. The effect on her students — their excitement to see Lillian — is similar to how I feel about her. She is generous with her time and inspires many careers with a smile that makes you believe you can reach your dreams. Sharon Smith Holley Friend/Colleague; Assistant Editor n I remember some years ago, watching an Independent Lens documentary about a group of young girls from fractured homes, with difficult backgrounds, as they tried to transform their lives through serving in the Girl Scouts. I was intrigued by its true grasp of internal moments and its sensitive portrayal of its characters — even the ones who would have been portrayed as villains in a lesser piece. Cut to several years later and a woman named Lillian Benson approached me about teaching editing at the University of Southern California where I was, at the time, Head of the Editing Track. Looking through her credits, I came across a mention of a documentary called Troop 1500. It rang a bit of a bell, so I looked it up. Lo and behold, Lillian was one of the editors of this Independent Lens episode. Editing, I believe, is the artful combination of images and sound to create an emotion in an audience. Really great editing fulfills that mission through an insightful look into the inner world of its characters, allowing us to empathize with them. Everything I've seen that Lillian edits does that. She brings understanding and empathy to all of her subjects. And from the stories that her students at USC have told me, she brings the same qualities to her teaching: understanding, empathy and a high degree of professionalism. These are admirable qualities for an editor, for a teacher, for a board member and for a human being. Lillian has all of them in abundance! There is no surprise that the Editors Guild saw fit to award her with this well- earned high honor. We are fortunate to have this sensitive, empathic person involved in our governance, as well as in our art. Norman Hollyn, ACE Friend/Colleague; Editor, Professor, University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts n L illian Benson is talented and well respected in the film community, but it is her dedication as a mentor to young filmmakers that is legendary. Ask any young filmmakers from a diverse background how they got started in the business and they'll say, "Lillian Benson helped me." She makes time for anyone who needs her advice. Somehow she always seems to come up with the right words of encouragement. She does so without judgment, and tells them what they need to hear — not what they want to hear. Last year, while I was organizing a panel of editors for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, I called Lillian and asked if she could participate. Without hesitation she said, "When and where?" She candidly shared her personal experiences of working in the industry in front of an audience of Asian Pacific filmmakers and students. They hung on every word she spoke. Being the first African-American female editor to join ACE, she knows the importance of inclusion. As the co-chair of the highly successful ACE Diversity Mentorship Program, she has quietly made it her mission to implement this program into her cutting room. She is modest. When she recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center for her groundbreaking film work, longevity and continued contribution to the film industry, she didn't tell anyone until the event was over. Lillian Benson is trustworthy, reliable, kind, compassionate and an all-around good person. I am so happy that she is receiving this award. Maysie Hoy, ACE Friend/Colleague; Editor, Chair of Editors Guild Diversity Committee n I actually had heard of Lillian long before we met. Her impressive Emmy- nominated work on Eyes on the Prize II was where I first learned of her editing prowess. It was in viewing that amazing documentary that I became aware of her keen and perceptive eye for being able to cull through vast amounts of historical and arcane footage and come up with a finished film that details the selected subject matter with creativity, intelligence, sensitivity and, most of all, historical accuracy. Since that first encounter with her work, I have become a Lillian Benson aficionado. Finally, three years ago, I got the opportunity to join with her on our recent collaboration, John Lewis: Get in the Way — the first documentary film on Congressman John Lewis and his long and illustrious career as both a young civil rights activist and later as a Representative in the US Congress. The film has been shown around the country, and each time I attend a screening, I'm reminded how masterfully Lillian honed and edited the material, and how she brings that talent to each project she undertakes. Moreover, I am in awe of her accomplishments outside the editing room. Whether it's the fact that she is the