Joana Vicente is set to resign from her position as the CEO of the Sundance Institute, the nonprofit organization responsible for the renowned Sundance Film Festival, following a tenure of two and a half years.
Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough expressed his admiration for Vicente, stating, "She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community," in a statement issued on Friday.
Vicente navigated the Sundance Institute through some of its most challenging times amidst the pandemic, overseeing the transition of the festival to a virtual format and subsequently to a hybrid model.
In her place, Amanda Kelso, a current board member, has been appointed as the interim CEO, with the organization announcing that Kelso will assume the role in April. Vicente will remain in an advisory capacity until June. Kelso brings with her 25 years of experience in communications and technology, having previously served 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 remarked in a statement.
The Sundance Institute conducts year-round programs aimed at supporting emerging artists, including directing and screenwriting labs. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in launching the careers of acclaimed filmmakers such as Ryan Coogler, Chlo Zhao, and Quentin Tarantino, among others.
Login