SCOTLAND’s centre for the moving image (CMI) has announced a new creative director who will take charge of film festivals and cinemas.
Kirsty Matheson has been appointed the new role, meaning she will lead the creative vision and voice of Edinburgh International Film Festival and Filmhouse Cinemas.
The role will put her in charge of putting film, filmmakers, and audiences at the heart of every event.
She will lead the Edinburgh International Festival next year.
Matheson comes to CMI from her role as director of film at Australia’s national museum of screen culture, ACMI, with over 20 years of experience with distribution, film festivals and museums.
Before her role as director of film at ACMI, Matheson worked at Brisbane International Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival and Dendy Films.
She has also worked on film festival juries and industry peer assessment panels and is a recipient of the Natalie Miller Fellowship.
Matheson has over 20 years’ experience with distribution, film festivals and the museums.
Kirsty said: “I’ve had the enormous privilege to lead the strategic direction of the Film Department in a multi-disciplinary museum that puts curiosity, collaboration, and audiences at the centre of everything it does. I’m excited to bring this programming ethos into my new role with the CMI.
“Across their rich histories, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Filmhouse Cinemas have ignited the filmic passions of generations of movie lovers. I’m looking forward to working with the team at CMI alongside storytellers and industry colleagues from the production, distribution, and exhibition sectors to create a dynamic programme that inspires and warmly welcomes audiences.”
Kirsty will join CMI after the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year and will lead the vision for the 75th anniversary festival next year.
Ken Hay, CEO of CMI, said: “We are delighted to announce Kristy Matheson as our new Creative Director. Kristy has an exceptional track record working across the film sector, and will bring a fresh creative vision to Edinburgh International Film Festival and the year-round work of Filmhouse and Belmont Filmhouse. We can’t wait to welcome her to Edinburgh later in the summer.”
