Vicente will remain an advisor to Sundance through the end of June.
Joana Vicente has announced her departure as CEO of the Sundance Institute, marking the end of a transformative tenure. As part of a carefully planned transition, the Institute’s Board of Trustees has appointed Amanda Kelso, an Institute Board Member, as Acting CEO, reinstating her to lead the organisation.
“After two and a half inspiring years, I have decided to embark on a new journey and will be stepping down from my role as CEO of Sundance Institute,” said Vicente. “Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of leading two of the most culturally significant organisations for independent film in North America through some of the industry’s most challenging times. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m immensely proud of the accomplishments of our Sundance team, championing independent storytellers and amplifying their voices.”
During her tenure, Vicente has played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the Institute’s support for global storytellers. She facilitated the return of the Festival in person while ensuring its accessibility to an online community. Additionally, she spearheaded the creation of new funding opportunities for artists, forged vital relationships to support in-person labs, and expanded international opportunities for artists with new Festivals in Asia and the recently announced Sundance Film Festival CDMX in Mexico City.
“Joana has been a tremendous asset to the Institute and our global community of artists and has worked through some of the most challenging times for our industry during her time here. She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community. On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank her for all that she has done for the Institute and independent film,” added Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough.
Burnough continued: “Amanda joined the board in 2020 because of her admiration for the work our organisation does and our mission to support artists. Over these four years, her skill set from decades of work at the intersection of storytelling and technology has helped contribute to the strategic decisions the board plays a role in. It’s those same reasons why she stepped in before and why she is making a longer and larger commitment now to guide the team and lead the organisation through strategic planning and the day-to-day operations of the Institute.”
“As we look toward the future of the Sundance Institute, I am filled with both pride and humility as I take on the role of Acting CEO,” stated Amanda. “It is an immense honour to return to lead during this pivotal time for arts organizations, and more specifically, independent storytellers. I believe in the power of Sundance and its ongoing impact in nurturing our mission-based work. This work is dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and connecting them with audiences around the world.”
With over 25 years of experience as a creative communications and brand leader for global technology companies and as an advocate for independent storytellers, Amanda is well-positioned to focus on the development of the next strategic plan for the Institute’s continued advancement, upholding Robert Redford’s vision and ensuring the Institute’s long-term sustainability and growth well into the 21st century.
Amanda is a trustee of the Sundance Institute, has formerly served as Acting CEO, as co-chair of the Technology Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, and was also actively involved in the Digital Festival Task Force, helping the organization navigate the pivot to online when they were unable to gather in person during the pandemic.
Reporting to the board, she will work with key stakeholders and lead a year-round staff of 165 with additional seasonal staff. She will oversee all areas of the Institute, including its year-round artist programs, the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Collab, public and field-building programmes, advancement, and continue to advance Sundance’s commitment to its mission and values.
Amanda will commence her role in April, overseeing all facets of the Institute’s operations and working closely with key stakeholders. Joana Vicente will continue to serve as an advisor to Amanda and the board until June, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
