Joana Vicente, the head of the Sundance Institute and its well-known Sundance Film Festival, will step down from the role she took on in late 2021, as confirmed by an insider.
Amanda Kelso, a member of the Sundance board, will serve as the interim CEO until April.
Vicente informed staff members in a memo that she will be leaving her role as Sundance Institute CEO after two and a half years. She expressed pride in the team's accomplishments and the organization's support for independent storytellers.
Kelso expressed both pride and humility as she takes on the role of Acting CEO and emphasized her belief in the ongoing impact of Sundance in supporting independent artists and connecting them with global audiences.
Vicente joined the Sundance Institute in 2021 and played a key role in bringing the festival back to in-person events while also enhancing its accessibility online.
Kelso, who has been a trustee for four years, previously served as Acting CEO and was involved in technology and finance committees. She also contributed to transitioning the organization to an online festival during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please see the full memo from Joana Vicente below:
Dear Sundance Community,
After two and a 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.
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. I’m so proud of the work our Sundance team has accomplished together, championing independent storytellers and amplifying their voices. As I look ahead, I have decided that it is time to explore new opportunities and adventures while I continue my lifelong passion for supporting transformative storytelling.
The board and I are working closely on the leadership plan, and I am pleased to share that Sundance board member Amanda Kelso will be returning to oversee the organization as acting CEO. I will remain on as an advisor to Sundance through the end of June, providing support to Amanda and the board and ensuring a smooth transition for the organization’s continued success.
With great pride and respect, I look back at the significant work we have accomplished together at the Institute and the herculean task of bringing the Festival back from the pandemic – all while making the Festival more accessible by welcoming a community online. From our first pivot to a digital festival and two successful in-person hybrid festivals, we have cemented Sundance’s position as the best platform for emerging storytellers. Facing extraordinary financial and logistical headwinds coming out of COVID, we came together to find new ways to ensure that our in-person artist labs, the heart of Sundance’s mission, could continue on.
During the past few years, our organization has been able to maintain and increase our support for global storytellers. We have found ways to provide more funding opportunities for independent and creative voices. These newly introduced fellowships, which aim to elevate underrepresented storytellers, are making a big impact on the careers of many. We have also expanded the opportunities for artists internationally, with new Festivals in Asia and the recently announced Sundance Film Festival CDMX in Mexico City. Together, we have positioned the Institute for future growth and stability to carry on its important work of supporting artists and connecting their projects with audiences worldwide.
We have mainly focused on our long-term strategic planning process, and I believe that Amanda is the right person for the job. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Throughout my career, I have been lucky to receive support from Sundance as a producer, and it has been an honor to lead this exceptional organization, directly furthering the mission Robert Redford initiated over 40 years ago. I will always be your advocate and I am excited to see what you achieve next.
Warmly,
Joana Vicente