Joana Vicente has stepped down as CEO of the Sundance Institute.

The information will come as a shock to the worldwide unbiased movie group, as Vicente served below three years in a plum function she took after years in management on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition. Amanda Kelso, a four-year member of the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees, has been named performing CEO in her place.

“After two-and-a-half inspiring years, I’ve made the choice to start a brand new chapter and can be shifting on,” Vicente wrote in a Friday memo to colleagues. “Over the previous six years, I’ve had the privilege of main two of essentially the most culturally vital organizations for unbiased movie in North America by way of a few of the most difficult occasions for our business … [and] have determined that it’s time to discover new alternatives and adventures whereas I proceed my lifelong ardour for supporting transformative storytelling.”

Kelso, a former government at Instagram, has come by way of in a pinch earlier than. She served as interim CEO after longtime pageant steward Keri Putnam stepped down as CEO in 2021, finally being changed by Vicente. People aware of Sundance stated Kelso’s appointment won’t be a short-term gig (possible greater than a yr) because the non-profit will want her experience for continuity till a proper CEO search begins.

Vicente’s tenure was undoubtedly one of the turbulent in Sundance’s historical past. As COVID-19 compelled the annual Utah occasion into digital and hybrid editions, a domino impact rippled all through the business. Revenues at Sundance suffered, a scarcity of in-person engagement led to stalled movie market gross sales and, maybe most of all, the bigger inventive group was impacted by compelled isolation.

“As I bounce into management, my objective is to additional cement the place Sundance has on this higher ecosystem. We’re at an necessary second in time the place the affect of the work we do to help artists issues enormously,” Kelso wrote in her personal memo. “On this time of transition, I’m reminded of the knowledge imparted by our founder, Robert Redford, who suggested, ‘Don’t be shy of taking dangers. It may be the catalyst that propels you ahead.’ It’s with this spirit of boldness and innovation that I plan to method the longer term collectively.”

Vicente will stay an advisor to Sundance by way of the tip of June.

Expensive Sundance Group from Joana Vicente

“A lot of our work has been centered on our long-term strategic planning course of,” she concluded in her memo. “I’m assured Amanda is the precise individual for the job. I’m excited to see what comes subsequent.”