Written by Joe Jackson on Feb 8, 2022. Posted in General Interest

AFCI elects new board of directors

The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has elected new members and officers for its 2022 board of directors. Bas van der Ree from the Netherlands Film Commission will become the AFCI’s first board chairperson representing Europe in more than a decade. Eight of the board’s eleven members will be prominent female figures, forming the organisation’s most diverse board - in both cultural and geographical terms - throughout its 46-year history.

 

"I’m thrilled to work with Bas and such a smart and geographically-diverse board,” says AFCI president Eve Honthaner. “Each member brings the experience and perspective needed to work collectively to cement AFCI’s reputation as a valued global entity. Our 2022 board is committed to helping AFCI grow and thrive."

 

 

"AFCI’s Board represents the diverse needs and interests of our members, and I feel very honoured to serve as chair," explains van der Ree. “Our newly elected, culturally diverse board will aim to further nurture and grow sustainable connections between industry professionals from all corners of the globe. We’ll also celebrate our amazing locations and staff."

 

A longstanding member of the AFCI, van der Ree has previously served as the board’s first-vice chairperson. He has been the Netherlands Film Commissioner since 2014, coinciding with the launch of the country’s Film Production Incentive.

 

Officers include first-vice chairperson Donne Dawson from the Hawai’i State Film Office, second-vice chairperson Silvia Echeverri from the Colombia Film Commission, secretary Sorrel Geddes from the British Film Commission, and treasurer Steven Davenport from Screen Ireland.

The board also includes three newly elected members: Gina Black from Screen Queensland, Marnie Gee from Creative BC, and Renee Robinson from Film Jamaica. Three members - van der Ree and Dawson, alongside Nina Parikh from the Mississippi Film Office - have been re-elected for new two-year terms.

 

The members returning for the second year of their two-year terms are Davenport, Echeverri and Geddes, along with Timothy Owase from the Kenya Film Commission and Erin Stam from AusFilm. Outgoing chairperson Tim Clark from the Buffalo Niagara Film Office will serve as ex-officio board member.

 

The AFCI’s 2022 board will focus on empowering film commissions worldwide as they face rapidly changing global production landscapes driven by an ever-increasing demand for content. Workforce training, infrastructure development, technology adoption, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 are all on the agenda.

 

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