James Hewison.
James Hewison will join ACMI as its new head of Film Programs from April 4.
“I'm delighted to be welcoming James Hewison to ACMI as our Head of Film Programs", ACMI Director and CEO Katrina Sedgwick said.
"James is one of the best film programmers around; he has a bold curatorial vision, extensive experience across the film industry and an exceptional track record of successes.”
“I have no doubt that with James at the helm of ACMI’s wonderful film program team it will be an exciting new era for our cinemas, our screen industry partners and our audiences.”
Hewison said: “I am really stoked to have the opportunity to be part of Katrina’s team at this moment in the evolution of ACMI. It is a dynamic cultural institution with film as the pivot on which it spins so it’s a dream role. I cannot wait to work with the team to create best cinema experiences for audiences and industry.”
Hewison was the executive director of the Melbourne International Film Festival from 2001 to 2006.
From 2007 to 2011 was the theatrical distribution manager for Madman Entertainment, where he worked on the release of titles such as Animal Kingdom and Snowtown.
He comes to ACMI from Curious where he was head of development and acquisitions.
The ACMI Film Programs team includes senior film programmer Kristy Matheson and film programmers Roberta Ciabarra, James Nolen and Spiro Economopoulos.
Hewison succeeds Richard Sowada, who held the post for nine years before departing in September last year.