Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/832212
69 Q2 2017 / CINEMONTAGE 69 Q2 2017 / CINEMONTAGE n L illian saved me! She was the editor of my first documentary, which explored difficult and emotional subject material around slavery and racism in my family. With grace and calm, she gently forced me to take charge of the film, which had had several demanding and uncooperative voices on the production team, and follow my instincts. In the end, she directed final scenes of the film and reconstructed my wandering script into a story. She created our beautiful film called Shared History that was delivered to PBS on schedule. Lillian has an uncanny ability to see a story in a mountain of disparate footage and tell it through her masterful editing. It was a joy working with her. Congratulations, Lillian, for this much- deserved recognition. Felicia Furman Colleague; Producer, Director n I first met Lillian when she was called in to consult on a documentary I was working on at the Seattle PBS affiliate. As a newly minted associate producer on my first national project, I was, at that point, more involved in the development, pre-production and production side of the content-creation process. Before her involvement, the editing side had been less accessible to me. Working with Lillian changed all that. Her approach and willingness to engage with me opened up a new way of thinking — to build story not just by script and instinct, but also by bringing in thoughtfulness and history, to find undercurrents and different lenses that make the work richer and deeper. Lillian's sharp mind, wide vision, mastery of craft and self-confidence gave me a solid assurance that any project she touched would thoroughly examine the story we were trying to tell, and also include wider ideas that expanded the narratives in ways producers, directors and viewers might not notice on first pass. Lillian has taught me a lot — not just about editing, but about how to see a story through multiple dimensions. When I think of Lillian, I think of someone who leads with her heart, head and hands. Her talent is unique and generous, and I am so thankful that she has shared it with us. Shannon Gee Colleague; Producer, Director n A lthough it has been like 100 years since I worked with Lillian on a documentary, Old Testament Heroines at FilmRoos (RIP), I can clearly hear her laugh and see her sitting in the editing bay with her generous smile. Smart, supportive, engaged, talented, kind — a few of the words that could describe Lillian. Oh, and a great editor! Roberta Grossman Colleague; Producer, Director n I met Lillian at my first job out of college. I was a production assistant full of passion for film, but with no clue about how to navigate the business. As I recall, I wasn't savvy enough to seek Lillian out for advice, but she saw me, saw my desire, and invited me to lunch. Her advice and counsel that day was the beginning of a 20- year friendship. When no one else could see my potential, she encouraged me. Today, as a producer, I still seek her advice. There are not many people who will give of themselves so selflessly but Lillian is not "many people." She lives in integrity, she speaks her truth and she has a talent few can replicate. She is a special person, a special mentor and I am lucky to know her. Andretta Hamilton Friend/Colleague/Mentee; Producer n L illian E. Benson has had a long career editing influential and socially conscious films, and has been long active in working to increase minority participation in the filmmaking process. In addition, she has been an active member of the Board of Directors for the American Cinema Editors as Secretary and Co- Chair of the Diversity Mentorship Program. I am honored to have even a small part in presenting her with this richly deserved award. Alan Heim, ACE Colleague; Editor, President, Motion Picture Editors Guild; Vice President, American Cinema Editors n I 've known Lillian Benson for over 15 years. We were introduced by a fellow ACE member. It didn't take long for me to realize what a special person she is. Years before Lillian became co- founder of the ACE Diversity Mentorship Program, she mentored her crews, sometimes bringing in assistants with little experience — men and women who might not have had the opportunity to enter the world of film editing otherwise. She's a volunteer, a mentor and as loyal as they come. I'm proud to consider her a friend. Tina Hirsch, ACE Friend/Colleague; Editor n H ave you ever met a person who was a ray of sunshine? That was my first impression of Lillian when I met her at an ACE assistant editor event. Over the years, we would see each other at all the New York EditFests and the ACE general membership meetings. I always admired her talent for storytelling. Documentary editors have