The search for Vancouver International Film Festival’s next executive director is over. Following an 18-month search, the VIFF board revealed yesterday (June 10) that Kyle Fostner is taking on the role.

Fostner had been filling in as interim executive director for the past 18 months, following Jacqueline Dupuis’ resignation at the conclusion of the 2019 festival. Fostner assumes responsibilities in the new role immediately.

“The Board takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Kyle Fostner as executive director. The past year could have been devastating for VIFF, and yet against the pandemic backdrop we not only survived but thrived due to Kyle’s clear vision and confident stewardship,” Lucille Pacey, VIFF board chair, said in a press release.

“In a year fraught with uncertainty, Kyle astutely guided VIFF through the pandemic, spearheaded the pivot to a hugely successful digital film festival, and crafted a robust strategic plan that represents the ambitious and exciting future of VIFF,” continued Pacey. “We’re confident Kyle’s wealth of experience and passion will further shape and deliver the organization to new heights.”

Fostner joined VIFF in 2014 as a venue manager, coming off a career that included guiding Montreal’s Casa Del Popolo and La Sala Rossa to record success as the general manager from 2006 to 2014. In 2015, he became VIFF’s guest services manager, and the following year he became the festival’s inaugural director of operations.

In 2017, the creative executive co-founded and developed VIFF Live, and he most recently oversaw the $2.8 million renovation of the VIFF centre, working with all three levels of the government to secure funding while also supporting VIFF’s philanthropic capital fundraising efforts.

“It is a tremendous honour and a great responsibility to be offered the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of VIFF — an organization with whom I have a longstanding and deeply passionate connection,” Fostner added in the release. “Together, we look forward to redefining what a film festival can be.”

In addition to formalizing Fostner’s position, VIFF also appointed three new leaders to the board of directors at its AGM.

Am Johal is the director of SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and co-director of SFU’s Community Engaged Research Initiative. Previously, he served on boards for the Vancity Community Foundation, Bloom Group, Indian Summer Arts Society, 221A, the Or Gallery and the City of Vancouver’s Arts and Culture Committee. He is also the co-author of Global Warming and the Sweetness of Life: A Tar Sands Tale with Matt Hern and Joe Sacco.

Doreen Manuel (Secwepemc/Ktunaxa) is the director of the Bosa Centre at Capilano University. She has 15 years of experience in the film industry and more than 30 years of experience in teaching. Manuel also has familiarity working in First Nations education and community development, in both rural and urban centres.

Johnna Sparrow is a member of the Musqueam First Nation and a producer at Salish Sparrow Productions. She brings her experience of relationship-building with First Nations and non-First Nations organizations to the board from her role as communication protocol officer in the Musqueam Indian Band in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Her current role as an Indigenous relations advisor in development sees her building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous communities and development officials. In the role she ensures that Indigenous voices are heard and included in the development of their land and territories.

Johal, Manuel and Sparrow join fellow board of directors Colin Browne, Lydia Guo, Matt Hall, Catherine Olsen, Farnaz Riahi, David Shepheard, Michelle Yung, board chair Pacey and director emeritus Dave Hewitt.

VIFF celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall when it takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 10.