Knowing that the IFP/Los Angeles was to announce its split from the Independent Feature Project and rebranding as Film Independent (FIND) today, I hit the search engines for the official press release and was startled to come across this news piece about the arrest of an IFP leader. Fortunately, the piece refers to the detaining of a South African Inkatha Freedom Party MP for "dagga possession" and has nothing to do with the independent film organization.

For the official release via Movie City News detailing the IFP Los Angeles's rechristening as FIND, click here.

An excerpt:

"'Film Independent [FIND] will be a continuation of our current goals, with a name that better reflects our mission and a structure that will serve our members more effectively,' said Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent [FIND]. 'The independent film community in Southern California has grown exponentially in the last several years, and it is crucial that we evolve to better fit this new landscape.'

FIND will continue to work with IFP and other independent film organizations, including partnering on advocacy issues and encouraging diversity in the film industry.

All staff will remain the same. Richard Raddon will continue as Festival Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival; Diana Zahn-Storey will continue as Event Producer for both the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Sprit Awards. Rachel Rosen will continue as the organization's Director of Programming; Doug Jones will continue as the organization's Senior Programmer.

FIND members will continue to receive the same benefits currently offered as part of their memberships, such as year-round educational programs, free screenings, a diversity/mentoring program, equipment and studio rentals, discounts to the Los Angeles Film Festival, and voting privileges for the Independent Spirit Awards.

The organization plans to launch a new website that will further build its online community and serve as an effective resource for its members. The new website will enable members to communicate with one another more easily."

The Hollywood Reporter has more, including this official statement from IFP Board Chairman Ira Deutchman regarding the split: "IFP and its chapters around the country will continue to serve the independent film community both domestically and internationally as we have for the past 27 years. We often find ourselves working jointly with organizations, both large and small, to execute various programs and events. That will not change; our commitment to foster independents will remain steadfast."

The move precedes one of the West Coast organization's signature events, the L.A. Film Festival, which runs June 16 - 26 and features Elvis Mitchell as a guest curator.
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# posted by Scott Macaulay @ 5/04/2005 12:35:00 AM

Comments (1)

 
What happened? What does this mean for IFP and its members elsewhere?
# posted by  Anonymous @ 5/04/2005 9:47 PM  

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