The IFP Gotham Awards celebrate their 25th anniversary this November with a ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street. Along with awards going to the top independent films of the year, the Gothams will present Tribute Awards to Robert Redford, Helen Mirren, Todd Haynes and Steve Golin. Here, Peter Bowen culls the archives of IFP, Filmmaker’s publisher and parent organization, to find 25 memorable moments from the Gotham’s history of celebrating New York and independent filmmaking. 1991 The Cost of Film In 1991, IFP executive director Catherine Tait stood before a seated crowd of some 400 people at Roseland to explain what […]

I first met Bingham Ray in 1992, when I interviewed him and October Films partner Jeff Lipsky about their company’s expansion and move to New York. It was for Filmmaker‘s second issue, and in our talk, Bingham was all the things he’s now being remembered for — committed, combative, intelligent and garrulous. He was pitching me on his upcoming slate, a diverse lot that included Alain Corneau’s Tous Les Matins Du Monde, Mike Leigh’s Life is Sweet, and a shorts package that included Michael Moore’s Pets or Meat. The ostensible hook for the article, though, was Ray and Lipsky’s move […]

The following statement was issued by Joana Vicente, Executive Director of the IFP: The board of directors and the staff of the IFP are shocked and extremely saddened by the death of indie veteran Bingham Ray. Bingham was a stalwart champion of independent film throughout his lifetime. He was an honorary board member of the IFP and was honored with a career tribute at the 2002 Gotham Awards. Bingham brought the independent film community together and always reminded us of the highest standards we should pursue as filmmakers with vision. He was not only an extraordinarily passionate figure, with an […]

Some very sad news. A statement just released by the Sundance Institute reports: “It is with great sadness that the Sundance Institute acknowledges the passing of Bingham Ray, cherished independent film executive and most recently Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society.  On behalf of the independent film community here  in Park City for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and elsewhere, we offer our support and condolences to his family.  Bingham’s many contributions to this community and business are indelible, and his legacy will not be soon forgotten.” Ray was a true indie film pioneer, as well as a […]

At All Things Digital’s BoomTown column, Kara Swisher is reporting that the ad-supported streaming service (and owner of IndieWire) Snag Films has hired distribution veteran and October Films founder Bingham Ray to “spearhead its distribution of fictional narrative and foreign-produced independent films.” These announcements accompany news of $10 million in new financing from Comcast’s investment arm and New Enterprise Associates. From the piece: Currently, SnagFilms has 2,000 films in its online library, although [Snag Films founder Ted] Leonsis said the aim is to use the new funds to get 10,000 films on the service as soon as possible. “We’re trying […]