Canada: TIFF appoints Joana Vicente as its new Executive director and co-head

The announcement was made by Jennifer Tory, Chair, on behalf of the Board of Directors of TIFF.

“After an extensive search for a Co-Head we are thrilled to welcome Joana to the new role and to the TIFF family,” said Jennifer Tory.

“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. 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.”

Vicente would join Cameron Bailey and both of them will report directly to the Board.

"Joana thinks big and thinks globally, which makes her an ideal partner," said Cameron Bailey. "She complements strategic thinking with strong relationships built over years in the not-for-profit sector, and as a film producer. Her combined expertise as a leader, a manager, and a creator will be an invaluable asset to TIFF. I'm looking forward to working together with Joana to keep TIFF at the forefront of our industry's change."

“I’ve always looked to TIFF as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,” said Joana Vicente. “Cameron’s artistic vision is inspiring and I look forward to working with him and with the passionate team at TIFF to expand the organization at an exciting moment in our ever-changing media landscape.”

Since December 2009, Vicente has served as the Executive Director of the not-for-profit Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), the oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers in the United States.

Vicente was responsible for the growth of IFP, a vibrant and sustainable independent storytelling community.

IFP and TIFF are collaborating to support a positive leadership transition for both organizations, including Vicente's attending this year’s Festival in Toronto.

Vicente speaks five languages and has produced over 40 films and founded three production companies, including the first US digital production company as well as the first HD production/international distribution studio in the US.

Variety named Vicente as one of the 60 Most Influential People in New York, and was named as Variety’s Women’s Impact List.

Vicente would continue to oversee the production and execution of this year’s IFP Gotham Awards taking place November 26 in New York.

She is a recipient of the “Made in New York Award,” which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the growth of NYC's media and entertainment industries.

TIFF, an international leader in film culture, is a charitable cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September be held from Sept 6 - Sept 16.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)