International film programmer, Nashen Moodley, has been announced as the new director of the Sydney Film Festival.
Moodley, the current Head of Programming for the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), will commence the role in January, replacing former director Clare Stewart.
"After spending the last decade immersed in the world of international film festivals, as both a programmer and industry attendee, I am very honoured and excited to be tasked with the position of Sydney Film Festival Director," said Moodley in a statement. "I very much look forward to joining the energy and innovative SFF team in bringing great films and filmmakers to Sydney."
Moodley has spent more than a decade as both manager and programmer for DIFF – South Africa's longest-running festival. He is credited with increasing content and boosting audience attendance, and was responsible for the creation of the Durban Filmmart program – an initiative which allows African filmmakers to pitch project ideas to leading financiers.
He has also acted as a consultant and expert for the International Film Festival and the Berlinale Talent Campus respectively. He has been responsible for the Dubai International Film Festival's Asia-Africa programs since 2005.