Joana Vicente has been appointed the new executive director and co-head of TIFF, effective Nov. 1, the organization’s Board of Directors chair, Jennifer Tory, announced Tuesday.
Vicente will be working alongside Cameron Bailey, who was previously announced as the artistic director and co-Head, effective Oct. 1.
“After an extensive search for a co-head we are thrilled to welcome Joana to the new role and to the TIFF family,” Tory said in a statement. “The hiring committee was deeply impressed with Joana’s combined history as a producer, a champion of independent filmmakers, and with her success in fundraising and partnerships. Her extensive knowledge of the changing global film landscape solidified the decision. The Board is confident that Joana and Cameron are the perfect duo to take TIFF into the future.”
Bailey praised Vicente’s big global thinking, which she said makes Vicente an ideal partner.
“She complements strategic thinking with strong relationships built over years in the not-for-profit sector, and as a film producer,” Bailey said. “Her combined expertise as a leader, a manager, and a creator will be an invaluable asset to TIFF.”
Bailey previously served as executive director of the not-for-profit Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), where she was pivotal in the organization’s rapid growth, including the fostering of a storytelling community through year-round programs, like the Independent Film Week, Filmmaker Magazine, the IFP Gotham Awards and the Made in NY Media Center.
In addition, Vicente has produced over 40 films and founded three production companies, including the first US digital production company and the first HD production/international distribution studio in the U.S.
An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September.