Sundance Institute’s Joana Vicente Steps Down As CEO; Amanda Kelso Named Acting CEO

deadline.com:

The Sundance Institute announced on Friday that Joana Vicente will be stepping down as CEO, with Amanda Kelso to lead the organization as Acting CEO.

No specific reason for Vicente’s departure was given, nor a next destination. But Kelso starts in her new role in April, with Vicente to continue to serve as an advisor to Kelso and the board through June. “After two and half inspiring years, I have made the decision to begin a new chapter and will be moving on from my role as CEO of Sundance Institute,” wrote Vicente in a letter to staff. “Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of leading two of the most culturally significant organizations for independent film in North America through some of the most challenging times for our industry.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m so proud of the work our Sundance team has accomplished together, championing independent storytellers and amplifying their voices.” Joining the Sundance Institute as the world was coming out of the Covid pandemic, Vicente helped bring the festival back in person, at the same time making it more accessible online.

During her tenure, the Institute has created new funding opportunities for artists with fellowships to uplift underrepresented storytellers, forged relationships to ensure that artist programs could continue in-person labs, and expanded the opportunity for artists internationally with new festivals in Asia and the recently announced Sundance Film Festival CDMX in Mexico City.