Mary Sweeney Elected Chair of Film Independent's Board of Directors

Mary Sweeney has been elected chair of the board of directors of Film Independent, the organization’s co-presidents Sean McManus and Josh Welsh announced Friday. She takes over the position from filmmaker Bill Condon, who has served as chairman for the past three years.

On the executive committee, Sweeney joins current vice chair, writer/director Rodrigo García, director/producer Alan Poul and newly seated treasurer, Landmark Theatres CEO Ted Mundorff. Condon will remain on Film Independent’s executive committee as a member-at-large.

“We could not be more thrilled to have Mary leading our board at this time,” Welsh said.  “She brings such a wealth of knowledge, energy and commitment to the organization and to independent film.”

“We are so thankful and appreciative for Bill’s incredible leadership during his tenure,” McManus said. “We know Mary is equally devoted to our mission and look forward to working with her to realize our vision.”

A co-writer of David Lynch’s The Straight Story and writer/director of 2009’s Baraboo, Sweeney has been involved in the organization’s film education programs, the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, as well as having served on many of its committees. Additionally, she is the Dino and Martha De Laurentiis Endowed Professor at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California, where she teaches screenwriting.

Film Independent produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA film series. Its board of directors is comprised of Randy Barbato, Adriene Bowles, Effie T. Brown, Condon, Laura Dern, DeVon Franklin, Sid Ganis, García, Vondie Curtis Hall, Michael Helfant, Marcus Hu, Laura Kim, Sue Kroll, Kasi Lemmons, David Linde, Allan Mayer, Mundorff, Gail Mutrux, Tom Ortenberg, Poul, Cathy Schulman, Sweeney, Nancy Utley and Forest Whitaker.