AFI CEO James Hewison today announced his resignation.
Mr Hewison commenced as CEO at the AFI in September 2006 and will leave the Institute on February 29, 2008. He was previously Executive Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival (2001 – 2006).
AFI Chair Morry Schwartz said, ‘The AFI is in a stronger position now than when James started. He leaves the organisation in great shape for this, our 50th year. I will miss working with him. The Board and I wish him well.’
Mr Hewison stated, ‘It has been certainly a remarkable, invigorating and challenging time for me at the AFI. The film and television industries are both in periods of great change. Our objective at the AFI has always been to work more closely and dynamically with film and television practitioners, industry leaders, decision-makers and our key partners in government, our sponsors and of course AFI Members. I wish the AFI well in this year, the 50th Anniversary.’
This year the AFI celebrates 50 years of supporting, developing and promoting excellence in film and television and in the lead up to this anniversary the AFI will be holding feature film and television screenings plus lectures, debates, masterclasses, networking evenings and other industry-related functions. The 2008 AFI Australian Screenings will commence nationally from mid-August and the Nominations in late October.
[release from NIX Co]