URI Professor Wins Anthony Quinn Foundation Spirit Award

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative (RIFC) and Anthony Quinn Foundation have announced the recipient of the 2013 Anthony Quinn Foundation Spirit Award. 

The honor is given to recognize passion and dedication to the art of filmmaking, including includes outreach, encouragement and support of the community and those pursuing film or related arts. 

This year's award will be presented to Dana Neugent, the Media Supervisor and an Adjunct Professor of Film/Media at the University of Rhode Island. 

Neugent has been in the film/video business for more than years working at ABC, CBS, Colony Communications and various production companies and cable systems throughout New England. He has worked on commercials, marketing videos, educational videos, documentaries, news stories and short and feature length films. 

He is also currently on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Film Collaborative and has won numerous national and regional awards for his film and video work. In 2009 he was awarded the Metcalf Diversity in Media Award by Rhode Island Community for Social Justice.

"Neugent has helped countless students and filmmakers with guidance, support and opportunities in Rhode Island," read a RIFC release announcing Neugent's honor. "His tireless dedication to bringing media education to our youth has made him an obvious choice to be celebrated by the community."

Neugent will be recognized at the RIFC's 6th Annual Black & White Fundraising Gala that celebrates local independent film - the art, science and spirit of it. The celebration will be held in the Rotunda Room of the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, RI. Funds raised will support the Rhode Island Film Collaborative throughout the year.

Saturday's festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the Gatsby Cocktail Hour featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, a complimentary cocktail, live music, dancing, raffles and the award presentation to Mr. Neugent. General admission at 8 p.m. and will feature a cash bar, dancing, raffles, burlesque performances and live music. Click here for additional event and ticket information.