IFC AND FILM INDEPENDENT RENEW EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT TO TELECAST THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS ON IFC THROUGH 2020

2017 Ceremony To Premiere Live on IFC Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET

NEW YORK - February 22, 2017 - IFC and Film Independent have renewed their exclusive agreement for IFC to telecast the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in the U.S. through 2020. This year's event airs live on IFC on Saturday, February 25 at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET. The show will be co-hosted by Nick Kroll (Loving, Sing, The League, Kroll Show) and John Mulaney (Oh, Hello On Broadway, Documentary Now!, Saturday Night Live). IFC began airing the Spirit Awards in 1994.

"The Film Independent Spirit Awards provide an important platform for emerging independent voices, celebrating the industry's best and brightest," said Jennifer Caserta, president of IFC. "It's a true privilege for IFC to remain the broadcast home for the Film Independent Spirit Awards and we are pleased to continue our longstanding and successful relationship."

"IFC is the perfect home for the Film Independent Spirit Awards. They're smart, irreverent, funny, and just crazy enough to do a live broadcast from a tent on a beach in February," said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. "We're thrilled to be renewing with them and look forward to making mischief together for three more years."

2017 marks the 32nd year of the awards that celebrate the best in independent film, which have aired on IFC for more than two decades. Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions returns for his third year as executive producer, producer Shawn Davis returns for his 15th show. Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff will be co-producing the awards.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Now in its 32nd year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, American Airlines, Jeep brand, IFC, and Principal Sponsor AT&T, as well as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. FIJI Water is the Official Water. Perrier-Jou�t is the Official Champagne. Landmark Vineyards is the Official Wine. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is the Official Spirit. WireImage is the Official Photographer.

ABOUT IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Original series Portlandia, Documentary Now!, Stan Against Evil and the upcoming Brockmire (April 2017) air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On Slightly Off.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover. Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film Independent at LACMA, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public. With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.