The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off in just over a week, and the fest has announced major news in advance of its 2018 edition. A press release named Joana Vicente as the new Executive Director and Co-Head of TIFF, effective November 1, 2018. She’ll work alongside Artistic Director and Co-Head Cameron Bailey, and both will report directly to the board.
Previously an Executive Director of the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), Vicente has produced over 40 films and founded three production companies, including the first U.S. digital production company as well as the first HD production/international distribution studio in the U.S. She is a recipient of the Made in New York Award, which celebrates those who have made major impacts on the growth of NYC’s media and entertainment industries.
“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, Chair of TIFF’s board of directors. “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.”
Bailey added, “Joana thinks big and thinks globally, which makes her an ideal partner. 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 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.”
Vincente joined IFP in 2000. The not-for-profit is the oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers in the U.S. IFP’s year-round programs include Independent Film Week, Filmmaker Magazine, and the IFP Gotham Awards. According to TIFF’s press release, Vicente was “the driving force behind the creation of the Made in NY Media Center, overseeing the development and construction of the facility in 11 months, from scouting out real estate, to raising an additional $2 million to supplement the City’s grant of $3 million, to attracting sponsors and donors. The state-of-the-art media center aims to bring together professionals from the film, television, advertising, new media, gaming, marketing, and branding industries for collaboration and new opportunities.”
TIFF runs from September 6-16. Films screening this year include Karyn Kusama’s “Destroyer,” a crime thriller about a detective starring Nicole Kidman, and “Widows,” a heist pic led by Viola Davis.
