International Film Festivals: Connecting films with markets and audiences
In conversation with Clare Stewart at RMIT University (November 21, 2016)
Clare Stewart, Head of Festivals for the BFI (British Film Institute) draws on her own experience and approach as Festival Director of the BFI London Film Festival (since 2012) and previously, the Sydney Film Festival (2007-2011), to provide insight into the world of international film festivals. The conversation focuses on strategies for navigating the international film festival circuit and unpacks the role film festivals play introducing films to both global and local markets. She also discusses her own approach to programming and the changing landscape in film distribution and audience behaviours. The conversation is hosted by Professor Lisa French, Deputy Dean, RMIT School of Media and Communication.
Clare Stewart has been BFI Head of Festivals and BFI London Film Festival Director since October 2011. Her 20 year programming career has encompassed leadership roles as Festival Director, Sydney Film Festival (2006-2011) and the inaugural Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne (2002-2006) as well as various roles at the Australian Film Institute (1996-2001), including Exhibition Manager, and programmer and Committee Member of the Melbourne Cinémathèque (1995-2002). She is a graduate of RMIT Media Studies (BA).
