Annabelle Grande is set to join the UK’s leading documentary film festival Sheffield DocFest as General Manager after returning to a more personal event in June.
Grande will join in December from her current role as project manager with the British Film Institute’s Global Screen Fund UK.
As CEO of Sheffield DocFest, which has seen an attendance of over 30,000 this year, Grundy will be responsible for the charity’s business affairs, partnerships, fundraising, production and operations as well as audience development. The role is a new joint leadership position and will work collaboratively with Raúl Nino Zambrano serving as Acting Creative Director.
Zambrano is responsible for setting the agenda across the festival’s film programmes, the alternative reality exhibition, market and talent activities, talks and sessions for the 30th edition in 2023.
Grundy is a Sheffield native with over 20 years experience including festival production and filmmaking events in Sydney, London and Edinburgh, and has worked with the British Council, Riverside Studios, Edinburgh International Film Festival and BFI Film Audience Network.
In 2021, after a period of turmoil when a clash between artistic and commercial values led to the ouster of the entire programming team following the departure of artistic director Cynthia Gill, the festival appointed Claire Stewart, former BFI London Film Festival director, as interim CEO. Festival said Stewart will support the transition for both managing and creative directors and will conclude her role at the end of the year as planned.
Stewart said: “The festival plays a very important role in the British documentary ecosystem, has an impressive global impact and is deeply rooted in a city that embraces creativity and curiosity. At a time when film festivals everywhere are so challenging, it is important to underscore how much this charitable organization is making and properly appreciate, and to support its inspiring new leadership – Annabel Grundy and Raul Nino Zambrano – and their vision for the future.”
Alex Cook, Chair of the Sheffield DocFest Board of Trustees, said: “Annabelle combines a business perspective and international experience with a deep commitment to Sheffield and audiences in the North, as evidenced by her time working with the BFI Film Audience Network. This combination of strengths sees Annabelle well positioned. To integrate all the potential that South Yorkshire has to offer and continue to grow Sheffield DocFest’s global impact.”
Grande added: “Sheffield DocFest supports local talent and has strong links with the international community in a growing sector. We also continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and technology with our immersive alternate reality program. It’s an exciting time to join the organization as we move past the pandemic recovery and focus on our true goal – defending document art – for local audiences looking for an extraordinary experience on their doorstep, and for filmmakers and filmmakers who continue to join us for inspiration, business connections and a great time this June of every year.
The festival celebrates its 30th edition in 2023 and will run from 14 to 19 June.
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