Pete Timmermann to be Honored by the Saint Louis Film Critics Association

Karl “Pete” Timmermann, the director of Webster University’s film series, is being honored by the Saint Louis Film Critics Association with a “special merit” award this month for his work in supporting and promoting films in the St. Louis region. 

According to a release from the Film Critics Association, Timmermann is being honored “for his exceptional, expert programming of international, restored, and independent films, including fiction and nonfiction, animation and live action, in addition to special events. His superb offerings for the St. Louis film community enrich and expand our cinematic world.”  

The award was announced on Dec. 8 along with the nominations for best film, director, screenplay, and other annual recognitions by the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

“What an honor for Pete to be acknowledged for his years of hard work securing fascinating, historic and groundbreaking films and sharing them with the community,” said School of Communications Dean Eric Rothenbuhler. “His love of films and his eye for quality in films and appreciation of the unique visions of their makers resonates throughout the Webster Film Series and has raised all our appreciation for the magic of movies. This is a well-deserved recognition.”

“This recognition was entirely unexpected and means a lot to me, as does the general support the Webster Film Series has received from St. Louis-based film critics,” Timmermann said. “In what too often feels like a cinematic monoculture where most moviegoers access listings and showtimes from aggregators and make decisions based on cultural consensus, film critics are essential in spreading the word, elevating the discourse, and opening up the larger cinematic world to those who are keen to explore it.”

The Webster University Film Series, St. Louis' cinematic alternative since 1979, is a nationally known and recognized year-round film exhibition program. For film lovers in the St. Louis region, it is known as a premiere hosting venue for American and foreign features, documentaries, classic and experimental cinema, and national and international artists presenting their work. The series runs continuously throughout the year, often hosting three to five events each week. 

Additionally, the Webster University Film Series has become the location for many national tours of international cinema, often acting as the only such venue in Missouri.  The Webster University Film Series is host to speakers and visiting artists who address the pertinent issues in films presented. To further integrate film with education, the Film Series provides workshops with artists and experts.

Visit the Webster University Film Series web page to learn more about the program and to see what upcoming films are scheduled. 

Visit the St. Louis Film Critics Association page to see the official announcement about the award as well as what other awards are being presented later this month.