The Hamptons International Film Festival has announced the appointment of Anne Chaisson as the new executive director. Chaisson, who has long been associated with the Festival, serving as Advisory Co-Chair since 2003, will begin her new post at the end of November.
“I am humbled and honored to be taking over the helm of an organization that I have been affiliated with for over a decade and in a place where I’ve worked, lived and played for even double that time,” said Chaisson. “I truly consider the Hamptons home and look forward to working closely with the board, David in his new role, staff and most importantly, the community and long time supporters that have made the festival a success for the last 20 years.”
Chaisson, also a producer with credits including 2002 outing ROGER DODGER as well as P.S., DIGGERS and ROCKSTEADY. As a fundraiser she’s worked with organizations including Film Society of Lincoln Center and Nantucket Film Festival.
“Having Anne onboard seems like a natural progression of events.” Said Hamptons International Film Festival Chairman Stuart Match Suna. “She has been such an integral part of the Festival for the past ten years and we are thrilled to have her here full time. Anne’s broad background in production, business and film education make her an incredible asset the Festival and I look forward to watching it flourish under her direction.”
The festival has also promoted David Nugent to artistic director. Nugent has served as director of programming at the festival since 2008. He has also been teaching Documentary film history, and American Independent film history at The New School since 2004. He has been a member of the selection committee for the Gotham Awards and Cinema Eye Awards, and a panelist at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Working with HIFF over the past five years has been an incredible experience and I am very much looking forward to continuing the growth and artistic direction in my new roll.” Said Nugent. “I have worked with Anne over the years, and look forward to taking the festival to the next level.”
Founded in 1993, HIFF has in recent years aimed to position itself as a vital stop on the awards circuit, also raising its profile with year-round local programming as well as affiliated events in New York City. The Festival wrapped its 20th annual edition in October with a slate that included SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK and ARGO.
[…] aims for individuality. Both Mr. Nugent and Anne Chaisson, the festival’s new executive director (appointed in November, though she has long been affiliated with the festival in different capacities), said in telephone […]