Shira-Lee Shalit, a director, writer, and filmmaker of exceptional repute, has built a remarkable career marked by numerous prestigious awards and nominations. Her most recent project, "The Oh Gees", received widespread critical acclaim, earning a coveted nomination for Best Comedy at the prestigious Cannes Short Film Festival. This notable achievement was complemented by triumphant wins for Best Comedy at the illustrious Paris Short Film Festival, Best Comedy and Direction at the esteemed Piermont Film Festival, and a prestigious official selection at the renowned LA Comedy Film Festival.
Shalit's cinematic pursuits stretch far beyond the confines of short films, as she has also made a significant and lasting impression within the realm of feature films. Her feature film, A-List, received widespread recognition and acclaim, ultimately claiming the prestigious Audience Award at the esteemed Milan International Film Festival, a testament to her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Shalit's feature film, Open Air, stands out as a notable achievement in the realm of filmmaking, having garnered recognition and accolades at two prominent film festivals. Notably, Open Air emerged victorious in the Best Short category at the prestigious NJ International Film Festival, a testament to Shalit's exceptional filmmaking prowess. Furthermore, Open Air also won top honors at the Mexico International Film Festival, a remarkable feat that speaks to Shalit's versatility and mastery of the craft. This dual achievement serves as a powerful endorsement of Shalit's abilities as a filmmaker, solidifying his position as a rising talent in the industry.
Shalit's artistic pursuits, which began with the creation of a short film titled Full Cycle, earned a notable distinction as a Regional Finalist in the prestigious Student Academy Awards, thus highlighting her exceptional talent and unrelenting dedication to her craft from the outset of her professional journey.
Noted theatrical production expert boasts an impressive and extensive portfolio, showcasing her remarkable versatility and expertise in the world of theatrical arts. Her impressive repertoire includes the World Premiere of LAByrinth Theatre Company's critically acclaimed production of "Devil of Choice" at the esteemed and historic Cherry Lane Theatre, a renowned institution in the world of theatre. Additionally, her notable credits include the esteemed production of "What's Wrong With You" at the prestigious Harold Clurman Lab, a hub for innovative and cutting-edge theatrical productions. Her impressive list of credits also includes "Nick and Zoe" at the respected Indiana Repertory Theatre, a leading regional theatre company in the Midwest. Furthermore, her remarkable talent has been showcased in the hit production of "Girls Will Be Girls" at the New York International Fringe Festival, a premier festival for new and innovative works. Lastly, her impressive portfolio also includes the critically acclaimed production of "Fault Lines" at the Theatre for the New City's TBG Theatre, a leading institution in the world of Off-Off Broadway theatre.
Noted for his impressive professional standing, Shalit holds membership in a diverse array of distinguished organizations, highlighting his reputation as a respected and accomplished individual. Among these esteemed affiliations, he is a proud member of The Actors Studio Director Unit, a highly acclaimed collective comprising a roster of accomplished directors who have made significant contributions to the world of film and theater. Additionally, Shalit is a valued member of NY Women in Film & TV, a prominent organization dedicated to fostering the advancement and recognition of women in the film and television industry, thereby promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the creative sector.
Shalit is a respected member of the faculty at the renowned Tisch School of the Arts, located within the prestigious New York University. As a valued educator, she has been entrusted with the esteemed responsibility of teaching directing, a testament to her impressive credentials and wealth of knowledge in the field of filmmaking. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry by imparting her expertise to the next generation of filmmakers, providing them with the skills and insights necessary to excel in their craft.
Notably, Shalit's professional endeavors extend far beyond the realm of academia, as she also holds the esteemed position of Head of Directing Actors at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division, a role that presents her with the unparalleled opportunity to nurture and direct the development of emerging filmmakers in the art of directing actors, a fundamental component of the filmmaking process that requires a deep understanding of the intricacies of human performance.
