Long-time Hot Docs programmer Sarafina DiFelice has joined Netflix’s Original Documentary Group as a content acquisitions executive.

In her new role, DiFelice will lead the streaming giant’s efforts to identify and acquire indie feature-length documentaries for global release. Reporting into Ben Cotner, director of original documentaries at Netflix, DiFelice will relocate to Los Angeles for the posting.

Most recently, DiFelice served as associate director of programming at HotDocs in Toronto, where she was responsible for executing the long-term strategy and planning for the programming department, as well as oversight of the creative and administration teams. DiFelice has been with the Canadian documentary festival since 2011, having served as programming manager over a six-year period.

“Sarafina was a highly valued and tremendous contributor to the Hot Docs team and we are thrilled she has exciting opportunities in front of her,” said Hot Docs executive director Brett Hendrie in a statement.

Prior to Hot Docs, DiFelice was a programming associate for the Toronto International Film Festival between 2009 and 2011.

In 2015, she served as curator for the SVOD and channel SundanceNOW DocClub.

Led by Lisa Nishimura, VP of original documentary & comedy programming, Netflix’s original documentary division has produced a number of award-winning non-fiction projects, including Ava DuVernay’s 13th, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos’ Making a Murderer, Orlando von Einsiedel’s The White Helmets, Ryan White’s The Keepers and Liz Garbus’ What Happened, Miss Simone?.

From Realscreen