Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival has announced that Patrick O’Hearn, Cinéfest’s managing director for the past 17 years, has been named as the organization’s new executive director.
O’Hearn has also been named associate executive director of Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION).
This follows the departure of Tammy Frick from these two roles earlier this fall.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce Patrick’s role as executive director,” said Marett McCulloch, chair of Cinéfest and CION’s boards of directors.
“In his many years as managing director, Patrick has brought a determined work ethic, eye for innovation, and a knack for team-building that have grown both organizations and contributed to the well-respected, patron first experience that Cinefést’s audiences have come to know and love. We are excited to continue working with Patrick in this new role to continue to innovate and grow both Cinefest and CION.”
O’Hearn, who has been acting as an interim director for both Cinéfest and CION, began his new role Dec. 12.
“Cinefest and CION have both come so far, and I am thrilled to use this opportunity to continue the work we have done,” said O’Hearn.
“I want to extend my thanks to our board of directors for this incredible opportunity, and look forward to working with our talented staff, partners, volunteers, and the public to continue delivering on the promise of the festival and Northern Ontario’s cultural industries.”
Since its inception over 34 years ago, Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival continues to seek out and showcase high-calibre film programming, to passionate and enthusiastic audiences, over its 9-day festival. Recognized as a premiere film event in Canada, Cinéfest will
host its 35th edition from Sept. 16–24, 2023.
Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) is dedicated to fostering and promoting the music and film industries in Northern Ontario. CION directly supports the cultural industries through programming including the MAPPED Crew Training fund, CION’s Crew Database and Production Hotlist, music and film industry consultations, and the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards (NOMFA).
— Sudbury.com
