James Woolly
Frameline, the presenter of the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the world’s largest and longest-running queer film festival, on August 20 announced the appointment of James Woolley as Executive Director.
Woolley brings with him over a decade’s worth of film festival management experience, most recently as the Head of Marketing and Customer Relations at the Sydney Film Festival, and previously as the Festival Manager of the Queer Screen/Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Woolley was selected by a search committee of current and former Frameline board members from more than 25 candidates during a six-month global search process. When he takes over on August 26, he will be tasked with overseeing the organization’s renowned namesake film festival, as well as its other acclaimed year-round educational, distribution and exhibition programs.
“As we plan for Frameline’s future, our board and staff know that it is important both to continue Frameline’s legacy, and to find new ways to share queer stories with our community and the world,” the nonprofit’s Board President, Nadir Joshua, said. “James’ passion, innovation and proven track record in advancing queer stories are exactly what we hoped to find in a candidate. We are thrilled that James will be leading Frameline’s next chapter as we continue our work to change the world through the power of queer cinema.”
“It is a great pleasure to be joining Frameline,” Woolley said. “For years, I’ve admired Frameline’s mission and legacy, and all of the programs it offers to support LGBTQ+ cinema. Frameline’s work to empower filmmakers, amplify our stories and support our communities is recognized all over the world. Through its festival and year-round programming, we are able to share stories that capture the strength, resilience and diversity of our great communities. That work couldn’t be more important. I am beyond honored to work alongside the brilliant team at Frameline, as we plan for the future. Taking this role is truly a dream come true.”
Hailing from Australia, where he received a Bachelor of Creative Arts from Macquarie University – Sydney NSW, Woolley’s professional festival experience also includes tenure with the Melbourne International Film Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival, and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Notably, in his time at Sydney Film Festival (2010–present) Woolley and his team were credited with doubling ticketing revenue, while the Mardi Gras Film Festival tripled its audience during his run as Festival Manager, 2013–2017.
Recent Comments