Sydney Film Festival has welcomed three respected leaders from across Australia’s creative industries as Board members.
Deb Eckersley, business leader and founder of the Calaur Advisory, has joined as Treasurer, while Madman Entertainment co-founder and CEO Paul Wiegard, and award-winning actor and writer Thomas Weatherall, best known for “Heartbreak High”, have joined as Directors.
Weatherall joins as part of a wider arts initiative, spearheaded by the NSW Government, to include young leaders in preeminent cultural institutions.
Their appointments bring together expertise spanning film distribution, performance and writing, corporate governance, finance and strategy. Together they strengthen the Festival’s capacity to support Australian and international filmmakers, while guiding one of the country’s most significant cultural institutions.
They join Chair Darren Dale and fellow Directors Debbie Lee, Amanda Maple-Brown and Penny Smallacombe. Together, they will lead the strategic director of this year’s festival – set to take place from June 3rd-June 14th in cinemas across Sydney.
Dale said each person brings a distinct perspective and a breadth of experience across the creative industries, the screen sector and the broader commercial landscape.
“As custodians of a Festival now in its 73rd edition, we share a responsibility to honour its legacy while continuing to champion bold filmmaking and strengthen its unique place in Sydney’s cultural life,” he said.
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Minister for the Arts, John Graham, said: “I’m very pleased to see the Sydney Film Festival backing the call to support young arts and culture leaders by appointing Thomas Weatherall. Thomas will bring such a unique and youthful perspective to the stewardship of this treasured cultural event. I’m also excited to see Debra Eckersley and Paul Wiegard bring their extensive experience to the board.”
The appointments come as the Festival continues its work supporting filmmakers, audiences and the wider screen industry through year-round initiatives and its annual June event.