Gibson Sponsors Film Fest and Oprah School

Gibson Guitar has announced its sponsorship  of the 2009 Nashville Film Festival. The instrument manufacturer will present a Gibson acoustic guitar — customized with artwork by acclaimed Nashville-based mixed media painter Mandy Lawson — to legendary actor William Shatner as part of Festival’s “President’s Impact Award” for Shatner’s film, Gonzo Ballet. Gibson will also host a private VIP reception at the Nashville Gibson Entertainment Relations Showroom in downtown Nashville on Friday, April 17. On Saturday, April 18, the Nashville Film Festival will award the Gibson-sponsored “Impact of Music Award” to the feature film that most effectively explores or celebrates the impact of music on the human experience. Recipients of this award will receive an Epiphone guitar. A list of films in contention can be found here. The Nashville Film Festival, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, takes place April 16-23, 2009 at Regal Green Hills Cinema.

In other Gibson news, the Gibson Foundation, the company’s philanthropic division, has announced a commitment to work with the music department at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa through 2012, providing both instruments and financial support to the school’s music program. In addition to its relationship with Oprah’s Leadership Academy, the Foundation is advancing music education throughout the world through such organizations as the Grammy Foundation, MENC (National Association of Music Education) and the International Society of Music Education.

• Author
• Recent Posts

LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.

Latest posts by LB Cantrell (see all)

• Johnny Mike Walker Joins Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum Circle Guard - September 28, 2026
• Braxton Keith Reflects On Breakout Success, Announces 2027 Tour Dates [Q&A] - September 22, 2026
• Mac McAnally & Rod Essig To Receive Nashville Symphony’s 2026 Harmony Award - September 10, 2026