SOUTH KINGSTOWN – In its inaugural presentation, the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s Winifred E. Brownell Scholarship was given to University of Rhode Island sophomore Alyssa Botelho earlier this summer.
In honor of the career of the dean emerita of the URI College of Arts & Sciences, the scholarship recipient is selected annually by the nonprofit film-focused organization and awarded by URI’s Harrington School for Communication and Media.
Botelho, a Fairhaven resident and double major in film/media and entrepreneurial business management, was awarded the $2,000 scholarship at the festival’s ceremony Aug. 12.
Receipt of the award “means a lot to me,” said Botelho in a statement. “Not only is it a great financial help, it’s a huge honor because Winnie Brownell is a great role model. When I read all the things she’s done, that’s the kind of person I want to be – a person who motivates people.”
Brownell agreed Botelho is a deserving recipient. In prepared remarks Brownell said: “Alyssa Botelho is an excellent choice for this inaugural award. … She has an outstanding academic record in the URI Harrington School of Communications and Media, growing professional experience in film, an extensive record of service and the most impressive essay of all applicants.”
A Centennial Scholar at URI, Botelho’s interest in filmmaking began early in her high school career. Before graduating, she had won three first-place awards from the Massachusetts Organization of Video Educators for short film, commercial and music video, along with honorable mentions from the New England Student Emmy Awards.
While studying full time at URI, Botelho works for the town of Fairhaven filming events and public meetings for public access TV and runs the wedding videography company Unforgettable Productions.
Eventually, Botelho would like to direct a feature film or work in the television industry.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
