Jaeger-LeCoultre supports filmmaker’s process through New York residency

Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre is showing its dedication to the cinematic arts with an initiative alongside New York's Film Institute of Lincoln Center.

This year, the third annual Filmmaker in Residence is Greek writer and director Athina Tsangari, who will work on her thriller/comedy “White Knuckles” during her time in New York. Jaeger-LeCoultre frequently aligns itself with the film world as a way of showing its own artistry.

New York state of mind
The residency program is designed to provide artists with access to a New York film community as well as an inspirational backdrop of the city as they develop their work.

Ms. Tsangari completed a master’s program within New York University’s Performance Studies program, and moved to Austin, TX following graduation to study filmmaking. She ended up with a role in Richard Linklater’s “Slacker,” and later worked with the director on his “Before Midnight” as a co-producer.

“Fit,” Ms. Tsangari’s first short film, became a finalist at the Student Academy Awards. “The Slow Business of Going,” a feature created for her MFA thesis at the University of Texas at Austin, was included in the 2002 Village Voice Critic’s Poll as one of the best first films of that year and also landed in the permanent collection at the MoMA.

The filmmaker has gone on to compete in international film festivals, earning her critical acclaim.

Poster for Athina Tsangari's Attenberg

“White Knuckles,” which tells the story of two criminal sisters, is set partly in New York, making this an ideal project for the residency. The residency occurs during the New York Film Festival, when many other cinematic minds will be in the city.

“I am looking forward to working on my new script, part of which is set in New York, and to drawing inspiration from the city itself, camaraderie from its essential film community and stimulation from the Film Society’s invigorating programming.” Ms. Tsangari said in a statement.

Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre burnished its film credentials with its latest support of the the 71st Venice International Film Festival through Sept. 6, 2014.

The brand also supported the 39th Toronto International Film Festival last year. As Jaeger-LeCoultre firmly settles itself in the world of film, it aims to involve fans along the way through social media (see story).