NewFest government director David Hatkoff is stepping down after seven years with the New York Metropolis LGBTQ movie competition.
Lesli Klainberg, longtime president of Movie at Lincoln Heart and a former NewFest government director, has been appointed within the interim. Kevin Chase Govt Search Group is main a nationwide seek for a everlasting substitute.
Hartkoff will depart June 30 following this yr’s NewFest Delight happening Might 28-June 1.
“NewFest has been the most meaningful work of my professional life,” Hatkoff mentioned Wednesday morning. “It has been a privilege to work alongside the filmmakers, audiences, industry and community partners, sponsors, Board and staff that bring this essential work to life. Queer stories deserve to be taken seriously by the industry and by the culture, and NewFest exists to make that case every single day. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m leaving it in the hands of an extraordinary team and a community that has never needed us more.”
Since becoming a member of NewFest in 2019, Hatkoff has elevated its price range from $500,000 to just about $2.5 million, making it the most important queer movie competition within the U.S. His many accomplishments additionally included the launch of two new festivals, Queering the Canon and NewFest Delight.
Klainberg is a founding nationwide board member of GLAAD and a former board member of Outfest in Los Angeles. She served as NewFest’s government director from 2008 to 2011. Extra lately, she spent greater than a dozen years as managing director and later president of Movie at Lincoln Heart.
“Returning to NewFest feels like coming home,” Klainberg mentioned. “This organization has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honored to bring my experience to lead it through this important moment. David has done an extraordinary job leading NewFest, and my focus will be to support and collaborate with our dedicated staff and board, filmmakers, and partners, and to ensure we connect with the broader tri-state queer community as we prepare for the October festival and for NewFest’s next executive director.”
The 38th annual NewFest will happen Oct 15-27 beneath Klainberg’s management.
NewFest board of director co-chairs Jane Sasseen and Ellery Washington mentioned, “David has been a terrific steward of NewFest’s mission and a true partner to this board. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the growth he helped make possible. Lesli’s longstanding relationship with NewFest and her deep commitment to LGBTQ+ storytelling make her exactly the right leader for this moment. With Lesli providing interim leadership and a national search underway, NewFest is well-positioned for what comes next.”
