Sundance Institute's Brecher says bye
By John Esther
In the wake of the recent departure of the the director of the Sundance Film Festivial, Geoffrey Gilmore -- amongst other film festival leaders -- Wally Weisman, Chair of the Board of the Sundance Institute, announced the resignation of Ken Brecher, Executive Director of the Sundance Institute.
Brecher's resignation goes into effect April 30, 2009, but he will assume the role of Strategic Advisor for the nonprofit arts Institute for the next two years.
Recruited in 1996 by Sundance Founder, writer-director-actor Robert Redford, Brecher came to Sundance having been a foundation president, a museum director, and an artistic director in the theater.
""I have completed my work in building an outstanding leadership team," said Brecher. "I could not be more confident that the Institute is now poised for the next phase of its innovative work in supporting independent artists."
Brecher's primary responsibility has been the Institutes's core programs. Under his leadership, among other activities, the Feature Film Program began its work in Western Asia, supporting regional film artists. Now in its fifth year, this annual program serves participants from the region.
In addition, Brecher was a key participant in establishing the Sundance Institutes's Documentary Fund. Working in more than 50 countries, it is one of the largest human rights, civil rights and freedom of expression documentary funds. It has supported films such as Academy Award nominees and winners Born into Brothels, Iraq in Fragments, and the recent Trouble the Water.
Brecher also reconceived the Composers Lab and expanded the Institute's support of film composers through the creation of the Sundance Institute Film Music Program. During his tenure, the Playwrights Retreat evolved into the acclaimed Sundance Theatre Program.
Brecher has been responsible for establishing the Institute's strong and diverse base of support for the $26 million annual operating budget. He has attracted major grants from The Ford Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, The Doris Duke Foundation, The Open Society Institute, The Annenberg Foundation and The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, among others.
"Brecher's efforts will stand the Institute in good stead in the years ahead," said Weisman.
A search for a successor to Brecher has been delayed.
