Editor

The Board of the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) today announced that Amanda Duthie will take over as Director and CEO following Katrina Sedgwick's departure at the end of 2011.

Currently the Content Head of Arts and Entertainment at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Amanda Duthie is one of Australia's leading figures in the film and entertainment industry and possesses an extraordinary depth of experience and expertise in the film and television industry combined with a great passion for the arts.

Amanda began her career at SBS and was Executive Producer and Series Producer from 1991 to 99. She left SBS to work as associate producer of Beyond the Fatal Shore, a PBS-BBC-ABC co-production written and presented by historian, art critic and writer Robert Hughes, before she joined the NSW Film & Television Office as Senior Project Manager. In December 2003 Amanda joined the ABC as Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer of Arts & Entertainment and was appointed Head of Content Arts & Entertainment in October 2008. Under her watch the ABC has produced numerous award winning and cutting edge programs. In her role at the ABC, Duthie has worked with BAFF, jointly investing in a number of new Australian films including Mrs Carey's Concert and Stunt Love and the recently announced Hive Production Fund projects.

Sandra Sdraulig, Chair of the BAFF Board said:

Finding someone to fill the very large shoes of Katrina Sedgwick, the Festival's founding director and creative dynamo who has evolved BAFF into one of the world's most exciting film events was a daunting task. I feel absolutely confident that Amanda Duthie is that person, an individual with extraordinary skills, energy, knowledge and networks who we are absolutely delighted will guide the Festival into the future."

The South Australian Minister for The Arts, the Hon John Hill MP said:

It is an exciting time for the South Australia Film industry with the recent opening of the Adelaide Studios at Glenside and South Australian films dominating recent industry award nominations. Since its launch in 2003, the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival has helped position South Australia as a leader in the nation's film industry and has played a vital role in Australian screen culture.  It is an exciting time of change for the festival and it's great to know that one of the most creative and energetic spirits in the nation's screen industry takes on the role of Director and CEO.

Amanda Duthie said:

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to join this dynamic and respected Festival, which I have attended many times as a film lover.  The BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is the most exciting arts and big screen content gig in the country and I am thrilled to be offered the position.   Katrina Sedgwick has created an internationally acclaimed film event and I will honour it with the same passion and enthusiasm for Australian and international stories. I look forward to joining the team in Adelaide in the new year.

The 2013 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival will take place from 10 - 20 October 2013. This is a permanent date change for the festival, which has until now run from late February to early March.

Further details at adelaidefilmfestival.org. For updates check the BAFF Facebook page facebook.com/BAFFestival.

For more information regarding this media release please contact:

Miranda Brown Publicity on 0411 568 781 or miranda@mbpublicity.com.au