Ellina Graypel, Vlada Von Shats and Patrice Samara Making History

NEW YORK - March 6, 2026 - PRLog -- Proudly gaining recognition on International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Ellina Graypel, Vlada Von Shats and Patrice Samara were deeply honored to have been lauded by the J.D. Luce Foundation with awards for "Leadership in Creative Excellence," for the documentary film, Mama Vlada.

The awards were presented at the film's premiere at the historic Kent Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, famously known as the location featured in The Purple Rose of Cairo by Woody Allen—making the moment even more meaningful.

Mama Vlada has won myriad awards on the way to Oscar submission: Frames of NY: LA Movie & Music Video Awards; Best Director, NY Shorts Awards; Holly Dubai Film Festival; Official Selection: Hollywood International Indie Film & Screenplay Awards; Belgrade International Film Festival; and was in the Cannes International Marketplace.

Grateful to the J.D. Luce Foundation for celebrating creative leadership, and to everyone who supported this film and its powerful story, the women stated that the recognition belongs to their entire community of collaborators and believers in the transformative power of storytelling and human rights.