MFA in Television Writing Students Win Top Honors at Austin Film Festival

Artistic Director Christine Vachon Honored with Polly Platt Award for Producing

Two talented students from Stony Brook University's MFA in Television Writing Program have earned first prizes at this year's Austin Film Festival (AFF), one of the most prestigious events celebrating screenwriting and storytelling in film and television.

In addition, Christine Vachon, artistic director of the MFA Programs in Film and Television Writing and co-founder of Killer Films, was honored with the Polly Platt Award for Producing, recognizing her outstanding career supporting bold voices in cinema and television.

Award-Winning MFA Students

Anna Zabel won the AMC One-Hour Pilot Award for her pilot Courier Girl, a tense and deeply human historical drama that follows Kasia as her already dangerous life in the Jewish ghetto of 1940 Warsaw becomes even more perilous when she takes on her greatest acting challenge yet: dyeing her hair blonde and enlisting as one of the Aryan-looking "courier girl" spies. Zabel's story explores courage, identity, and survival in a time of darkness.

"This recognition at Austin is a tremendous honor," said Zabel. "Courier Girl is inspired by the real women who risked everything to fight oppression with intelligence and bravery. I'm grateful to the MFA in Television Writing faculty and peers who supported this story from its earliest drafts."

Cynthia He won the Drama Teleplay Spec Award for her episode of Yellowjackets: Thicker than Water. In this chilling and psychologically rich story, a desperate Shauna - pregnant and starving - discovers a taste for her own blood. Overcome with shame, she resists until Lottie presents a brimming bowl of blood, freely given by her followers, drawing Shauna toward the seductive and terrifying power of the Wilderness. He's script impressed judges with its fearless tone, emotional depth, and masterful craft.

"These wins are a testament to the strength of our students' voices and the quality of storytelling our program nurtures," said Alan Kingsberg, program director of the MFA in Television Writing. "We're incredibly proud of Anna and Cynthia, whose bold, imaginative scripts have been recognized on one of the most respected stages in the screenwriting community."

Christine Vachon Receives Polly Platt Award

Adding to the celebration, Vachon received the Polly Platt Award for Producing, which honors creative producers who exemplify vision, innovation, and a commitment to championing unique voices in storytelling - qualities that define Vachon's career and her work mentoring the next generation of television writers and filmmakers. Killer Films has produced a long list of award-winning films, including Carol, Boys Don't Cry, and May December, among others.

"Christine's recognition at Austin underscores what makes our programs so special," said Kingsberg. "Our students are learning from one of the most respected producers in the industry, someone who has spent her career elevating daring, original stories."

Located at the Stony Brook Manhattan Center for Creative Writing and Film, the MFA in Television Writing program continues to distinguish itself as a leader in developing the next generation of storytellers - writers who bring daring, authentic, and unforgettable stories to the screen.