Orly Yadin, executive director of the Vermont International Film Festival since 2012, has announced she will step down from her role on June 30. Yadin has been involved with the festival since arriving in Burlington from London in 2002.
During her tenure, Yadin has worked tirelessly to change the public perception of the fall festival as the “doom-and-gloom festival” by gradually changing the curatorial focus to cinema as an art form. During COVID, she set up VTIFF’s virtual network, keeping the organization intact and connected to the community. When VTIFF staged its latest festival live, in October 2022, audiences eagerly returned to its curated programming at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center.
“Orly took an organization that was in danger of closing down and rebuilt and expanded its programs and community support to become a vibrant participant in Vermont’s cultural life,” said Arnie Malina, president of the VTIFF board.
Yadin will continue to serve VTIFF in various capacities, including helping with the transition of the new executive director and acting as program director of the Vermont International Film Festival this October.