Lights, Camera, Transition: Joana Vicente Bids Adieu as Sundance Institute CEO
Joana Vicente, the powerhouse CEO of the Sundance Institute, is bidding adieu after a dynamic two and a half years at the helm. Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough lauded her departure, recognizing her unwavering support for independent storytellers and expressing confidence in her continued positive influence on the community. Vicente led the Institute through some of its most challenging times amid the pandemic, navigating the transition to virtual platforms for the iconic Sundance Film Festival, which later metamorphosed into a hybrid event. As the curtain falls on Vicente’s tenure, Amanda Kelso, a seasoned professional with a rich background in communications and technology, takes the stage as the acting CEO, bringing a wealth of experience garnered from her role as the managing director of Google Creative Lab.
Kelso, who is set to formally assume the CEO position in April, expressed her belief in the enduring power of Sundance and its pivotal role in advancing the Institute’s mission-based work. With 25 years of expertise under her belt, she is well-poised to steer the Institute into new realms of creativity and innovation. The Sundance Institute, renowned for its year-round programs nurturing emerging artists, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of industry stalwarts such as Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, and Quentin Tarantino, through its directing and screenwriting labs and other artist development initiatives. Kelso’s appointment heralds a new chapter for the Institute, promising a continuation of its legacy of fostering diverse voices in cinema and supporting groundbreaking storytelling.
The departure of Vicente marks a transition period for the Sundance Institute, as it prepares to welcome a fresh perspective under Kelso’s leadership. Vicente’s adept handling of the challenges posed by the pandemic has laid a strong foundation for the Institute’s future endeavors, ensuring its resilience in the face of adversity. Kelso’s vision for the Institute aligns with its core values, emphasizing the importance of championing independent voices and providing a platform for diverse narratives to flourish. As Kelso assumes her role, the Institute is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation, building upon its rich legacy of supporting emerging talent and fostering a vibrant community of storytellers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of independent cinema, the Sundance Institute stands as a beacon of creativity and inclusion, nurturing the next generation of visionary filmmakers. With Kelso at the helm, the Institute is poised to continue its mission of empowering artists and amplifying diverse voices, ensuring that the spirit of independent storytelling thrives for years to come. As the sun sets on one era and rises on another, the Sundance Institute remains a steadfast champion of artistic expression and storytelling, guided by a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to shape the landscape of contemporary cinema.
