Joana Vicente is stepping down as the CEO of the Sundance Institute, the nonprofit behind the annual Sundance Film Festival, after two and a half years. “She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough in a statement released Friday.
Quick Read
- Joana Vicente is resigning from her role as CEO of the Sundance Institute after two and a half years of service.
- Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough praised Vicente’s advocacy for independent storytellers during her tenure.
- Vicente’s leadership spanned some of the Institute’s most challenging times, including the transition to virtual and hybrid festival formats due to the pandemic.
- Amanda Kelso, a Sundance Institute board member with a 25-year background in communications and technology, has been named the acting CEO.
- Kelso will begin her new role in April, with Vicente continuing as an advisor until June.
- The Sundance Institute is known for its year-round support of emerging artists through various programs, contributing to the early careers of notable filmmakers such as Ryan Coogler and Chloé Zhao.
The Associated Press has the story:
Joana Vicente steps down as CEO of the Sundance Institute
Newslooks- (AP)
Joana Vicente is stepping down as the CEO of the Sundance Institute, the nonprofit behind the annual Sundance Film Festival, after two and a half years.
“She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough in a statement released Friday.
Vicente oversaw some of the Sundance Institute’s most challenging years during the pandemic, when the festival went virtual and later came back as a hybrid version.
Amanda Kelso, a member of the board, has been appointed acting CEO, the organization said.
Kelso will transition into the role in April and Vicente will continue to advise through June. She comes to the position with 25 years of experience in communications and technology, including serving as the managing director of Google Creative Lab.
“I believe in the power of Sundance and its ongoing impact in nurturing our mission-based work,” Kelso said in a statement.
The Sundance Institute runs programs year round for emerging artists, including directing and screenwriting labs and other artist programs that have helped filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, the Daniels, Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Darren Aronofsky and Nia DaCosta early in their careers.
