On Sunday, August 6, 2017, the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival presented the Independent Filmmaker Achievement Award (IFAA) to Rory Uphold. The award reception was held in the Music Box Lounge in Chicago as the centerpiece of the 2017 Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival.

Four years prior, in 2013, the festival’s judges were enamored by the honesty of Uphold’s official selection short, Safety. The story focuses on a young woman named Andy (also played by Uphold) who is trying to get over a breakup with her ex and, in doing so, attempts to have a one night stand with a friend, Morgan (played by Ben York Jones). The evening turns itself upside down when physical and emotional vulnerabilities are exposed. At BWiFF 2013, the film proceeded to beat out all feature-length selections and received the Blue Glass Award for Best Screenplay.

After screening at BWiFF, Uphold created the comedy series This Is Why We’re Single for Elite Daily that focused on the perils of dating. Each episode would capture an embarrassing and/or awkward moment that comedically suggests “why we’re single.” Produced and released in 2015, the project was the first series in Elite Daily’s Artist Residency program.

Fresh off the success of her first series, Uphold created HelLA. The a love/hate letter to the city of Los Angeles explores the perils of residing there. From awkward celebrity run-ins to gluten free homeless men, each episode highlights an “Only in LA” moment. The award nominated series developed a significant following on YouTube and received high praise from Buzzfeed to Bustle.

Uphold’s work as a writer, director, producer, and leading actor is very impressive. With each project, Uphold shows off her incredible ability to lead in a variety of roles while harnessing the great talents of her cast and crew.