Lesli Klainberg, the president of Film at Lincoln Center, has announced her decision to step down from her executive role after the 2024 New York Film Festival. The board of directors for the organization, known for presenting the annual New York Film Festival and Chaplin Award gala, will be forming a search committee to recruit a new leader. In the meantime, NYFF managing director and vice president of operations at FLC, Matt Bolish, has been named deputy director to work alongside Klainberg during the transition period.
Klainberg expressed her pride in how the organization has evolved during her tenure and highlighted the record-breaking attendance at recent New York Film Festivals. She emphasized the power of film to bring people together and inspire, making it a fitting time for new leadership to come in and make an impact.
FLC board chairman, Dan Stern, commended Klainberg for her dedication to global cinema and for steering the organization through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Klainberg’s leadership, FLC transformed into a three-screen film center with a diverse range of programming, including new releases, festivals, series, retrospectives, and educational programs. She also oversaw the production of 12 Chaplin Award Galas honoring various luminaries in the industry.
Prior to serving as FLC president, Klainberg held the position of managing director and began her journey at FLC in 2011 as the producer of the New York Film Festival. The 2024 NY Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 13.
As Klainberg prepares to transition out of her role, the organization looks forward to continued success and growth under new leadership. More updates on this story are expected to follow.
