Joana Vicente stepping down as Sundance Institute chief executive

Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press

Joana Vicente is stepping down as the chief executive of the Sundance Institute, the non-profit behind the annual Sundance Film Festival, after two-and-a-half years.

“She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community,” said Sundance Institute Board chairman Ebs Burnough in a statement.

Ms Vicente oversaw some of the Sundance Institute’s most challenging years during the pandemic, when the festival went virtual and later came back as a hybrid version.

Amanda Kelso, a member of the board, has been appointed acting chief executive, the organisation said.

Ms Kelso will transition into the role in April and Ms Vicente will continue to advise through June.

She comes to the position with 25 years of experience in communications and technology, including serving as the managing director of Google Creative Lab.

“I believe in the power of Sundance and its ongoing impact in nurturing our mission-based work,” Ms Kelso said in a statement.

The Sundance Institute runs programmes year round for emerging artists, including directing and screenwriting labs and other artist programmes that have helped filmmakers including Ryan Coogler, Chloe Zhao, The Daniels, Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Darren Aronofsky and Nia DaCosta early in their careers.