The Board of the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival has announced that Amanda Duthie will take over as Director and CEO, following Katrina Sedgwick's departure at the end of this year.
Amanda Duthie is one of Australia's leading figures in the film and television industry. She began her career at SBS and was Executive Producer and Series Producer from 1991 – 99. She left SBS to work as associate producer of Beyond the Fatal Shore, a PBS-BBC-ABC co-production written and presented by Robert Hughes, before she joined the NSW Film & Television Office as Senior Project Manager. In December 2003 Amanda joined the ABC as Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer of Arts & Entertainment and was appointed Head of Content Arts & Entertainment in October 2008.
Under her watch, the ABC has produced numerous award winning programs. During her time with the ABC, Duthie has worked with BAFF, jointly investing in a number of new Australian films including Mrs Carey's Concert and Stunt Love in addition to the recently announced Hive Production Fund projects.
"Finding someone to fill the very large shoes of Katrina Sedgwick – the Festival's founding director and creative dynamo who has evolved BAFF into one of the world's most exciting film events – was a daunting task," said Sandra Sdraulig, Chair of the BAFF Board.
"I feel absolutely confident that Amanda Duthie is that person, an individual with extraordinary skills, energy, knowledge and networks who we are absolutely delighted will guide the Festival into the future."
South Australian Minister for The Arts, the Hon John Hill MP, said that it is an "exciting time" for the South Australian film industry, citing the recent opening of the Adelaide Studios at Glenside and the dominance of SA-made films in the recent AACTA award nominations.
"I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to join this dynamic and respected Festival, which I have attended many times as a film lover," said Amanda Duthie.
"The Adelaide Film Festival is the most exciting arts and big screen content gig in the country and I am thrilled to be offered the position. Katrina Sedgwick has created an internationally acclaimed film event and I will honour it with the same passion and enthusiasm for Australian and international stories. I look forward to joining the team in Adelaide in the new year."
The 2013 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival will take place from 10 – 20 October 2013. For more information, visit the BAFF website.
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