Atlantic Film Festival Director Lia Rinaldo Leaving After 22 Years

9:45 AM PST 12/13/2012 by Etan Vlessing

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The Halifax-based event is eyeing a new top programmer to launch Canadian filmmakers in the shadow of the glitzy Toronto fest each September.

TORONTO - Atlantic Film Festival director Lia Rinaldo is leaving after 22 years at the Canadian event.

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The long-time festival programmer gave no indication of her next move as she made the unexpected announcement.

“I have decided that it's time for me to move on from my role here as festival director,” Rinaldo said in a statement Thursday, adding she will depart at Christmas to ensure a smooth transition.

“This has been a remarkable life experience and such a privilege,” she added.

Also Thursday, Jenn Kuzmyk, development head at indie producer Cream Productions, said she was leaving after four years in the post to “pursue other opportunities.”

Kuzmyk, who oversaw reality series like Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan for BBC America and Channel 5 and Breathing Fire: Battle of the Somme for History Television and Channel 4, said she will leave the Toronto-based factual producer at the end of the year.

Kuzmyk added she will consult on select projects at Cream Productions going forward.