Introducing our new CEO/Creative Director, Mat Kesting!
New chief executive for the Adelaide Film Festival
Experienced film festival curator Mathew Kesting has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and Creative Director of the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF).
Mr Kesting who has extensive experience with almost 20 years in the Australia film industry, including AFF Programs Manager since 2015, won the position from a strong field of international and national candidates.
In between AFF’s biennial programs he has been Exhibition Manager at Adelaide’s Mercury Cinema and has curated six editions of the OzAsia film program.
Mr Kesting was also the Program Manager at the Brisbane International Film Festival from 2006 until 2008 and produced the 15/15 Film Festival between 1999-2009.
Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni said it is exciting to have someone of Mr Kesting’s ability and passion for the South Australian film sector to lead the renowned AFF which also reflects the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to enhance creative arts and job opportunities in South Australia.
“The government is committed to creating new career opportunities for young South Australians and growing our creative arts sector is just one way of doing this,” he said.
“The Adelaide Film Festival has established a global reputation as a bold and innovative event, which last year showcased exciting new talent in the Australian screen industry, with an amazing variety in the 139 films that featured, 29 of which were South Australian.
“I look forward to Mr Kesting’s contribution to the Adelaide Film Festival and am confident that he will continue to build the reputation of this important South Australian cultural institution.”
Minister Pisoni said this was a positive example of how the Marshall Government is supporting creative arts in South Australia.
Chair of the AFF Sandra Sdraulig said Mr Kesting’s depth of knowledge, love for films, festivals and screen culture will ensure the continued success of the AFF.
“The Adelaide Film Festival is a brilliant showcase of the best of our local industry and its growing future potential, and Mr Kesting has been part of that for some time now,” she said.
“For him to continue on as its Chief Executive and Creative Director will ensure the next festival will be as internationally recognised as the last.”
Mathew Kesting said he was excited about the opportunity.
“I want to continue to support creative talent in this state and help grow South Australia and Australia’s reputation for filmmaking,” he said.
“It is important for local audiences to see Australian stories on the big screen and supporting the effort to bring more films to them is something I’m very much looking forward to.”
The next Adelaide Film Festival will take place in 2020.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cathy Gallagher
0416 22 72 82
cathy@abcgfilm.com
Alicia Brescianini
0400 225 603
alicia@abcgfilm.com