Home / Arts and Entertainment / Mallory Martin Takes Helm of Film Festival Alliance
Mallory Martin Takes Helm of Film Festival Alliance
25 Feb
Summary
- Mallory Martin appointed new executive director of Film Festival Alliance.
- Martin brings over 15 years of leadership and advocacy experience.
- She officially begins her new role on March 9, 2026.

Mallory Martin has been appointed the new executive director of the Film Festival Alliance (FFA), an organization that champions over 300 film festivals worldwide. Martin, who previously served as the artistic director for the Cleveland International Film Festival, was selected from a competitive pool of 250 applicants. Her extensive background includes over 15 years of leadership experience in the film festival sector and advocacy for independent exhibition.
Martin officially begins her tenure on March 9, 2026, succeeding Barbara Twist. She is also recognized for co-founding rePRO Film, an organization dedicated to reproductive justice through film. Her prior roles at the Cleveland International Film Festival involved significant contributions to programming, venue transitions, and fundraising.
The FFA Board President, Karen Cardarelli, expressed confidence in Martin's ability to provide strategic and unifying leadership. Martin herself conveyed her enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring member festivals thrive and that FFA remains an indispensable resource for advocacy, education, and connection within the independent film ecosystem.




