Clare Stewart, former president of the BFI London Film Festival and most recently CEO of Sheffield DocFest, will move to the Netherlands to take over Rotterdam International Film (IFFR).
Stewart will succeed the outgoing Marjan van der Haar and will start in June 25 ) before the th IFFR next January. She joins Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic in Rotterdam’s dual leadership structure, with Stewart in charge of the commercial elements of the festival and Kaludjercic in charge of the creative and programming components. Stewart is an IFFR board advisor to 2021, where she helped the festival reshape its program structure and content strategy.
“I am delighted to welcome Clare to the IFFR team and to Rotterdam as she makes this incredible city her new home,” said Kaludjercic. “From her formidable career to date, she has a deep understanding of the artistic and commercial aspects of festivals, which is a perfect fit for our dual leadership dynamic between the two roles. Her passion for IFFR is undeniable Yes, my team and I look forward to working with her in the upcoming 2024 edition and beyond!”
Korrie Louwes, Chairman of the IFFR Supervisory Board, Stewart” With an unrivaled breadth of experience in strategically directing and genuinely supporting film festivals, with a track record that includes some of the world’s most important film celebrations. In previous roles, Claire’s unique combination of creative understanding and commercial acumen has attracted Growing audiences, accelerating business success, raising the profile of these events – and leading them to change. Having her on the IFFR team and bringing her multifaceted and insightful leadership to our organization is a Great success.”
Stewart said she has a strong connection to IFFR, as “the first international film festival I attended 25 A few years ago. It shaped my understanding of the interdependence between cultural events and industry development, and the importance of attracting a loyal local audience while positioning the festival as vital to the international independent film industry. She praised the Rotterdam Festival for its continued emphasis on “bold new ideas” and said Kaludjercic, who was appointed festival director at 2017 to overhaul IFFR, has an “inspiring vision” Building a festival that both sets the agenda and responds to change. I am delighted to be working with the talented IFFR team, the Supervisory Board and IFFR’s loyal partners and stakeholders to build a bright future for one of the Netherlands’ true cultural assets. ”
Australian-born Stewart heads Sydney Film Festival from 2007 to 2017 Director and is credited with raising the international profile of the event. She takes over the BFI London Film Festival at 2007 and grows audiences with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival at 2007 increase the number of people and enhance the international status of the event. At the BFI, she has been praised for her support of emerging talent and for her promotion of diversity and inclusion through events such as the Media Gender and Black Stars Workshop, Flare LGBTQ Mentoring and Accessibility Think Tank.
Stewart’s first IFFR as Managing Director will be Section 25 in January 2017 Held until February 4 2024.
