Gina Duncan is joining the Sundance Film Festival team. A press release announced that she’ll serve in the newly-created role of Producing Director, reporting to Festival Director Tabitha Jackson and working closely with Programming Director Kim Yutani.
Duncan, who most recently worked as the Vice President of Film and Strategic Programming at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), will “integrate the artistic vision of the Festival with its practical, audience-facing elements,” according to the release. “She’ll work with the programming team as they curate works for exhibition, and serve as a leader for creating strategic vision and decision-making on both the Sundance Film Festival and year-round public programs.” Other duties of her position include “continuing to build policies and plans to develop and increase the inclusivity of the Festival more broadly, and managing year-round engagement among the industry and artist communities.”
“Gina’s experience across the arts, industry, and festival space excited us,” said Jackson, “as did her stellar reputation, innovative spirit, values-driven approach, and transformational results. I can’t wait to partner with her and the rest of our incredible team on writing and producing the next chapter of Sundance Film Festival.”
Duncan added, “I’m excited to join the Sundance team at this key inflection point, as they imagine such a pivotal Festival. It’s moments like these that invigorate not only creative programmers, but also enliven audiences who are ready to greet new and fresh approaches and ideas.”
Duncan led BAM’s film operations, guided first-run film and repertory programs, and oversaw the annual BAMcinemaFest. Prior to her tenure at BAM, she was Director of Industry Engagement and Special Programs at Jacob Burns Film Center.
“It’s funny when folks who have never met me email me or call me over the phone, and they tell me what they think POC audiences want. That’s always a laugh for me,” Duncan told Indiewire in 2018, while working with BAM. “My overall mission,” she explained, ” is to have a nimble, responsive, socially engaged film program. I take that really seriously as a woman of color.”
