DOC NYC is to launch a search for a new artistic director as founding artistic director Thom Powers shifts to a new role as director of special projects.
The organisation will seek to serve its growing year-round activities as it enters its 13th year. DOC NYC’s core leadership team of executive director Raphaela Neihausen, director of industry and education Malikkah Rollins, and director of filmmaker development Caitlin Boyle remain in place.
“The scope and reach of DOC NYC have dramatically expanded since our first festival in 2010, and it’s time to bring in a new artistic director who can devote undivided, year-round attention to the organisation,” said Powers. “I’m excited to work alongside that person to carry on the festival’s growth.”
DOC NYC was launched in 2010 as a project of the IFC Center by SVP and general manager John Vanco and VP of programs and promotions Harris Dew, joined by Powers and Neihausen, building on the success of their long-running Stranger Than Fiction screening series at IFC Center.
DOC NYC has spawned initiatives such as DOC NYC PRO Conference for filmmakers, Short Lists spotlighting the year’s awards frontrunners, the 40 Under 40 honours for rising creative talent in the field, the Documentary New Leaders programme promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry, Storytelling Incubator and the renamed Industry Roundtables (formerly “Only In New York”) for works-in-progress.
Following the 2021 edition which presented more than 300 films and events including an eight-day in-person PRO conference, upcoming online events include the Winter 2022 season of PRO panels and workshops in February and March and the second annual Spring Showcase in May and June. The 13th edition of the festival will be held in New York from November 9-17.
“This is an exciting new chapter for DOC NYC,” said Neihausen. “We’re building on a strong foundation with a great team, continuing to benefit from Thom’s experience and passion, while bringing on board a new Artistic Director to help expand our vision of what DOC NYC can become.”
As part of Powers’ new portfolio at DOC NYC, he will oversee the annual Visionaries Tribute gala and continue to collaborate on the 40 Under 40 and Documentary New Leaders initiatives, among other projects.
In addition to his role at DOC NYC, Powers also serves as the documentary programmer for Toronto International Film Festival and Miami Film Festival.
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