The Sundance Institute has concluded the 2020 Film Festival by announcing their new Festival Director.
Tabitha Jackson, the festival’s Documentary Programmer, has been named to the helm, succeeding John Cooper’s tenure of more than a decade.
In a press release issued this weekend, the Institute said that after conducting a worldwide search, they selected Jackson, who has directed the Institute’s Documentary Film program for the last six years.
She has been an award-winning filmmaker for more than 25 years. Before joining Sundance, she was Head of Arts and Performance at Channel 4 Television in London.
In the press statement, Institute Director Keri Putnam said about Jackson, ‘Her authenticity, experience and perspective will serve her well in leading the Festival forward as a beacon for independent artists and audiences.”
Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford said that as they approach their 40th anniversary, “I’m pleased to have Tabitha lead us as we move into the future and meet the next generation of artists and their stories.”
And Jackson herself said, “My role, working with a team at the top of their game, will be to ensure that the festival remains as effective, vital and transformational in the years going forward as it has been in the past—and to make sure that we have fun doing it.”
As Director, she will be working on Sundance Festivals in Hong Kong and London, as well as a nationwide Short Film Tour.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Festival was the last for John Cooper, after 11 years as Director
Cooper will take on the newly-created position of Director Emeritus, and will oversee special projects, including the Institute’s 40th Anniversary celebration.
