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24 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | MAY 7, 2023 ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING DAILY NEWS or are this passionate about filmogra- phy and how it can be used as a tool that teaches and innovates," she said. Dr. Tauber agreed, adding that it's often like the judges get to help usher in technology. "We get to see ideas from new producers right out of residency, as well as seasoned veterans who have tackled problems that have vexed us," he said, adding that he asks the producers who have won to find a young producer to mentor. In order to judge the films, the judges do some of the work at home, then meet with the other judges vir- tually to discuss before getting onsite at the ASCRS Annual Meeting. "I think we do a better job judging the films when we have time to digest them," Dr. Visco said. "I think it's a much more equitable process for the individuals who submit films. They put a lot of effort into them, and I think by making a quick judgment in 1 or 2 days, things can get lost. I like having time to look through the films and to go back and review them. … It's a lengthier process but gives us more time to review each film." Dr. Visco said that while many people can now view the films on- line, there is still something about enjoying them in the moment with an audience. "It's an event that you do not want to miss," she said. The judges for this year's ASCRS Film Festival are John Hart, MD, chief judge, Minas Coroneo, MD, in- ternational guest judge, Jason Jones, MD, P. Dee Stephenson, MD, Tim Page, MD, Surendra Basti, MD, and Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD. ASCRS Annual Meeting," adding that he looks forward to it every year. Dr. Visco said that she has continuously been impressed with the variety of films submitted and the ways that physicians are able to tell their stories. "Everyone's telling a story about something in oph- thalmology, whether it's a surgical procedure or experience, and every- one has their own talent in how they reveal that story to the viewers," she said. "That's what I particularly enjoy about the Film Festival—some use humor, some use drama, some use data. It's very interesting and enter- taining, and it's wonderful to have those characteristics in something that's so educational." Dr. Visco described the expe- rience seeing the films before the general audience as a judge like "a secret stash of candy." "It's a real privilege to have something so in- teresting because I'm not aware that other professions have such an event T he 41st annual ASCRS Film Festival will be held tonight. EyeWorld spoke to Shachar Tauber, MD, and Denise Visco, MD, co-chairs of the event, about why they enjoy the Film Festi- val and what they're looking forward to at the event. Dr. Tauber has been involved with the ASCRS Film Festival for years. "I came from the classic ASCRS Film Festival pre-COVID-19, came up the ranks, and got a call from Rich Hoffman, MD, to say I'm taking over," he said. "I was so excited when I offered Denise the opportunity to join as a judge, and she said yes right away. I was doubly excited when I told her it was her turn to lead." Because of the pandemic, the event went virtual for a couple of years, with a return to an in-person event last year for its 40th anni- versary. Dr. Tauber described the Film Festival as "the best part of the Preview of the 2023 ASCRS Film Festival

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