Tabitha Jackson has been named as the new director of the Sundance Film Festival.
The news was announced during the festival’s annual awards ceremony in Park City, Utah.
According to festival executive director Keri Putnam the UK filmmaker Jackson, who served as director of the Sundance Institute’s documentary film program for the past six years, beat out 700 candidates for the gig.
“Tabitha is fiercely devoted to independent artists, has been a visionary member of the Sundance Institute’s leadership team for the last 6 years. Her authenticity, experience and perspective will serve her well in leading the festival forward as a beacon for independent artists and audiences,” Putnam said.
“I founded Sundance Institute with the clear mission of celebrating and supporting independent artists,” Robert Redford added in a statement. “And the festival is the platform where we can showcase their stories. As we approach our 40th anniversary, I’m pleased to have Tabitha lead us as we move into the future and meet the next generation of artists and their stories.”
Jackson will succeed outgoing director John Cooper, who served as the Festival’s director for the past 11 years.
