FIN Atlantic International Film Festival Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Martha Cooley (she/her) as its next Executive Director, beginning her full-time role with FIN on April 25, 2022.
"The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Martha to the organization", says Christena McIsaac, Board Chair. "FIN and all of its programs will benefit from Martha's vast experience and strong connection to the Atlantic Canadian film industry."
For the past 15 years, Cooley has been employed at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, serving as their Executive Director since 2013. Part of her role at AFCOOP was overseeing its Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival. She is a founding board member of the Light House Arts Centre, has sat on the boards of WIFT-AT and Screen Nova Scotia and is the current treasurer of the Independent Media Arts Alliance, a national umbrella organization for Canadian film co-ops and festivals. Originally from Ontario, Cooley is an alumnus of Dalhousie University and NSCC’s Screen Arts program.
As a filmmaker, Cooley produced her first feature film, MURMUR (2019), with writer/director Heather Young. MURMUR premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize for the Discovery Programme, was featured as the Opening Night Gala at the Atlantic International Film Festival and went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance and a Canadian Screen Award for Best First Feature.
“It's such an exciting time to move into this role, as we regather in cinemas and outdoor screening venues, and I'm thankful for this opportunity to serve the film community in a new way. During my time at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, I had the honor of being part of many filmmakers' first experiences of filmmaking, and now at FIN, I'll be part of how local and international films are recognized and celebrated with audiences,” says Cooley.
The recent announcements from Screen Nova Scotia about the new provincial investment, including the Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund and plans for a soundstage will mean more work for the local industry and more local productions.
“More local productions mean more films for the festival to celebrate," adds Cooley. “Coming from the independent filmmaking world, I understand the value of community and collaboration. I know FIN has a strong team and I look forward to working with them to continue efforts to re-establish in-person events for filmmakers and audiences while embracing the increased reach in the region that is afforded by FIN's online programming.”
Cooley succeeds outgoing Executive Director, Wayne Carter, who oversaw the festival and FIN's other programs for the past 10 years. The Board of Directors and team are grateful for his commitment to, and stewardship of, the organization during that time and wish him all the very best.
About FIN Atlantic International Film Festival
FIN has been Atlantic Canada’s curator of epic and unforgettable stories for over forty years. Beginning as a tiny, grassroots film festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1981 and relocating to Halifax the following year, FIN has evolved to include a year-round offering of programs and activities.
FIN Atlantic International Film Festival, the cornerstone event taking place every September, is a celebration of film from our region and around the world, championing creativity and innovation in local filmmaking while offering a first look at the best international films of the festival season.
FIN Partners is Canada’s top international co-production/co-financing market, focusing on film, television, and digital fiction, bolstering the film industry with a focus on developing Atlantic Canadian content.
FIN Kids strengthens and expands cultural education for young people across Atlantic Canada, actively promoting equity, cultural and social awareness through its touring/streaming film program, hands-on media workshops with regional film professionals, and the FIN Kids Youth Film Competition.
FIN Outdoor brings free summertime outdoor screenings of fan favourite films to thousands of attendees in Halifax’s spectacular Public Gardens and other locations throughout Nova Scotia.
FIN Atlantic Cinematheque promotes, preserves, and provides access to Atlantic Canada’s moving-image heritage through screenings throughout the year, including artist talks and/or panel discussions whenever possible.
FIN Stream is the invaluable online streaming platform that makes FIN truly and inclusively Atlantic Canadian, providing FIN access to the furthest corners of our region.
For over four decades, FIN’s overall mission has been to foster interest and curiosity in film by celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking, to be a platform for a diverse range of voices from Atlantic Canada and around the world, and to bring our community together through these stories.
Chatelin Bruno 
