The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth “Vision” Award will be presented by L’Oréal and Women In Film (WIF) to a female documentary filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The first-time Sundance presentation will take place on Monday, January 21st as a highlight of Variety’s annual “10 Directors to Watch” event. The recipient will be chosen by a jury comprised of members of Women in Film, a non-profit organization devoted to the development, support, and promotion of women in the field of entertainment.

As one of the Sundance Film Festival’s sponsors, L’Oréal Paris created the Women of Worth “Vision” award to honor a female filmmaker whose work reflects the spirit of L’Oréal’s new Women of Worth initiative, a grassroots program that recognizes women from around the country who serve their communities, inspire others by example, and have an innate sense of social responsibility and act on it.

“The four simple words — Because I’m Worth It — are a galvanizing and unifying force for the L’Oréal Paris community,” said Carol Hamilton, president, L’Oréal Paris. “The Women of Worth initiative brings this message to life, and now we’re thrilled to be able to extend it even further, recognizing female filmmakers whose visions echo this vital program’s ideals.”

L’Oréal has teamed with Women In Film for this selection process because, for 35 years, WIF has been committed to creating opportunities for women in the entertainment business and nurturing their independent vision. Female directors participating in the festival are eligible for the award, and the winner will receive a $15,000 cash award from L’Oréal Paris to help further her creative vision through filmmaking.

The first L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth “Vision” Award was presented to Screenwriter Cherien Dabis at the Tribeca All Access awards ceremony at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2007.