The British Film Institute has hired former Bafta manager Tricia Tuttle to take on the newly created role of deputy head of festivals.
Tuttle will be responsible for delivering the annual programs for the BFI London Film Festival and the BFI Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and will report directly to fest head Clare Stewart.
In the new role, Tuttle will manage a team of programmers and program advisors to drive the festival’s ambition to increase audience reach, attendance, participation and satisfaction and ensure its cultural and commercial objectives are achieved.
“I’m joining the BFI Festivals team at such an exciting time,” said Tuttle. “The LFF and LLGFF have long delivered respected programs bursting with style, passion and, of course, cine-literacy; both are rightly applauded around the world.
Added Stewart: “Tricia is a terrific addition to our team – creative, tenacious and driven – and she has a proven track record of making a difference and brings great energy and smarts to our expanding festivals activity and our newly structured exhibition department.”
Tuttle joins from Bafta, where she was senior manager, film and skills. During her five years at the org, she was responsible for the film program including the International Screenwriters Lecture Series, annual David Lean Lecture and the inaugural talent development program Brits to Watch: The Screenings.
Prior to this, she was screenings and events programmer for filmmaker training body The Script Factory and she co-programmed the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.
Tuttle’s appointment completes the BFI’s four new teams within its exhibition department, ensuring a joined-up approach to programming, production, business management and filmmaker and industry engagement.
Helen de Witt, previously BFI’s festivals producer, has taken on the new position of head of cinemas and Stuart Brown, previously head of events, takes on the expanded role of head of events and production. Anne-Marie Flynn, previously head of projects and development, has been appointed head of business and industry.
