Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rotterdam Film Fest MD Steps Down After Key Funding Secured
Rotterdam Film Fest MD Steps Down After Key Funding Secured
17 Sep
Summary
- Clare Stewart resigns as IFFR Managing Director after funding stability.
- Stewart to continue involvement with Cate Blanchett's film fund.
- New MD recruitment begins to ensure sustainable future for IFFR.
Clare Stewart is stepping down as Managing Director of the Rotterdam Film Festival (IFFR). She will continue in her role until the festival's upcoming edition, her fourth in this capacity. Stewart will maintain her involvement with the IFFR's Displacement Film Fund, a short film grant initiative co-founded by Cate Blanchett.
The IFFR's Supervisory Board has initiated the search for a new Managing Director. Stewart's departure follows a period where the festival secured significant, long-term funding commitments. These include four-year subsidies from both national and municipal governments, extending support up to the 2029 edition. Additionally, increased three-year funding was obtained from Creative Europe, supporting the festival through the 2028 edition.
Stewart expressed pride in stabilizing the festival's business position during a challenging global period for film events. She believes now is the opportune moment for a new leader to bring fresh energy and perspective, ensuring a sustainable future for IFFR and allowing her successor adequate time before the next subsidy cycle begins.
