Anne Chaisson, the long-time executive director of HamptonsFilm, has announced her resignation from the prestigious organization. Chaisson, who has been with the organization since 2002, will be stepping down after this fall’s edition of the festival.
During her tenure as executive director, Chaisson oversaw a period of significant growth and innovation at HamptonsFilm. Under her leadership, the organization launched a number of new initiatives and programs aimed at promoting creativity and diversity in the film industry.
One of Chaisson’s most notable achievements was the expansion of the festival from a five-day event to an 11-day extravaganza. This move allowed HamptonsFilm to attract a wider range of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world.
Chaisson also introduced several new awards to the festival, including the Dick Cavett Artistic Champion Award, The Melissa Mathison Award for female screenwriters, and The Peter Macgregor Scott Memorial Award for narrative short filmmakers. These awards have helped to highlight and celebrate the diverse talents within the film industry.
Like many other festival organizers, Chaisson had to navigate the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. She implemented virtual events and drive-ins as temporary solutions to keep the festival running smoothly during these unprecedented times.
A New Chapter
As Chaisson prepares to step down, the board of HamptonsFilm is already working on finding her replacement. Randy Mastro, Chairman of the Board, has announced plans to appoint a subcommittee to conduct a national search for the next executive director, who will be selected after this year’s October festival.
Despite Chaisson’s departure, the festival is set to continue under the leadership of Artistic Director David Nugent and the dedicated programming team. Preparation is already underway for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to take place from October 4 to 14.
Anne Chaisson’s impact on HamptonsFilm has been profound and far-reaching. Her dedication to promoting innovation and creativity in the film industry has helped to elevate the festival to new heights. While her departure marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for HamptonsFilm and its future leadership.
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