Under Ms Small’s leadership, the Festival has doubled in scale, built financial security, and reached a broader and more diverse audience.
The Board thanks Leigh for her contribution to the organisation over the last twelve years and wishes her well on future endeavours.
Ms Small commented: “After twelve years at the helm, and having been CEO of the Festival through the toughest period since its inception, I feel the time is right for me to hand the reins over to someone new. I plan to take a well-earned break to decide on the next phase of my career and life.”
Ms Small paid tribute to her past and former colleagues, including the Festival Directors with whom she worked over the last twelve years, Nashen Moodley and Clare Stewart: “I am especially proud of all the wonderful staff with whom I’ve worked over the years. Their passion, dedication and professionalism has been outstanding. Sydney Film Festival is all the stronger for their contribution.
“I also want to recognise and express my deep gratitude to SFF’s past and present volunteers and Board members, government and corporate partners, donors, filmmakers and audiences over this period. They have all contributed enormously to making the organisation what it is today.”
The Board has appointed Nashen Moodley as Acting CEO, and a recruitment process will shortly commence for the permanent CEO role.
Mr Moodley commented: “I will always be grateful to Leigh for bringing me to Australia to join her and the superb Sydney Film Festival team, and I am very proud of what we have built together during Leigh’s time as CEO. The Festival has gone from strength to strength, and Leigh’s passion and commitment has been a key driver of the Festival’s evolution. The Festival is now in a very stable position. Leigh leaves us with our best wishes for her future adventures.”
The full Sydney Film Festival 2022 program can be found online at sff.org.au.
Sydney Film Festival runs in cinemas 8-19 June 2022. Tickets and flexipasses to Sydney Film Festival 2022 are on sale now. Please call 1300 733 733 or visit sff.org.au for more information or to book.
