TIFF has announced that independent film producer Joana Vicente will be its incoming executive director and co-head.
Vicente, currently executive director of the New York-based not-for-profit Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), will assume the post Nov. 1.
Together with the festival’s artistic director Cameron Bailey, Vicente will share co-head responsibilities, replacing longtime director and CEO Piers Handling who announced last year he was stepping down. Earlier this month, executive director and COO Michele Maheux announced her retirement after 30 years with the festival. Maheux’s COO responsibilities will also be absorbed into the co-head roles.
“The hiring committee was deeply impressed with Joana’s combined history as a producer, a champion of independent filmmakers, and with her success in fundraising and partnerships,” board chair Jennifer Tory said in a statement. “Her extensive knowledge of the changing global film landscape solidified the decision. The board is confident that Joana and Cameron are the perfect duo to take TIFF into the future.”
As part her executive director role at IFP, which she’s held since 2009, Vicente has overseen Independent Film Week and the Gotham Awards and spearheaded development of the Made in NY creative incubator in Brooklyn. She’s produced more than 40 films including Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, The Assassination of Richard Nixon and Welcome to the Dollhouse.
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