Allison Anders

Allison Anders (born November 16, 1954) is an American independent film director, recognized for her films such as Gas Food Lodging, Mi Vida Loca and Grace of My Heart. She has formed collaborations with fellow UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Kurt Voss and has also worked as a television director. Anders' works were recognized at the Cannes International Film Festival and at the Sundance Film Festival, and she is the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant in addition to a Peabody Award. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, she has faced numerous challenges including a traumatic event at age 12 and mental health issues. But, these adversity had not hindered her from producing noteworthy films. Overcoming her unstable education, she received her B.A. in Motion Picture-Television from UCLA. Her scripts won her awards such as the Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award. Her debut film, Border Radio, released in 1988, revolved around the Los Angeles punk-rock scene. Her follow-up films also won awards and had been nominated in several award-giving bodies. Her works extended to television where she directed several notable series.