Kate Beecroft Honored with First Trailblazer Award at East of Wall Screening

On September 10 in Jackson Hole, filmmaker Kate Beecroft was honored with the first-ever Trailblazer Award during a special screening of her film East of Wall.

The award celebrates filmmakers who are pushing boundaries, reimagining the Western genre, and bringing forward untold stories. Carly Christopher presented the award to Kate, recognizing her fearless approach to storytelling:

“You exemplify everything that it means to be a trailblazer. With this film, you challenged industry norms, created a space for people who may not have been represented, and took some insane risks. You are redefining what it means to tell authentic stories in filmmaking.”

The custom award was designed by Jackson-based artist Ava Reynolds, whose work explores creativity and resilience, values reflected in the honor itself.

After the screening, Kate joined the audience for a conversation about the film, sharing reflections on her creative journey and the role of storytelling in connecting communities.

Festival Executive Director Chrisy Fox reflected on the significance of this milestone for JHiFF:
“JHiFF continues to be a platform where filmmakers can challenge norms, spark dialogue, and inspire audiences. Kate’s film does exactly that; it engages, moves, and leaves a lasting impression. We are thrilled to honor her as our first Trailblazer Award recipient.”