Jessica Edwards Named Woodstock Film Festival Executive Director — SkimNews
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- Jessica Edwards has been named executive director of the Woodstock Film Festival, announced Sunday as the 27th annual festival came to a close, succeeding co-founder Meira Blaustein.
- Blaustein received an Honorary Maverick Award during the festival in recognition of more than 26 years of dedication to independent cinema — her first public departure from leadership.
- Claude Dal Farra, president of the festival's board, called Edwards the "natural person" to succeed Blaustein, citing her experience as a filmmaker, distribution consultant, and former publicist, plus her status as a Hudson Valley resident.
- Edwards described the role as a "dream job" and said her vision is to bring filmmakers and industry partners from around the world together with Hudson Valley audiences.
- Festival winners included "Mouse" by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson, "Rehearsals for a Revolution" by Pegah Ahangarani, "Washed Up" by Isabel Moncloa Daly, and "They're Here" by Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller.
- The festival ran Wednesday through Sunday, meaning the leadership transition was unveiled on the final day rather than before or after the event.
Why it matters: For the first time in its 27-year history, the Woodstock Film Festival will be led by someone other than co-founder Meira Blaustein. Edwards inherits a founder-built institution rooted in independent cinema and Hudson Valley identity, with Blaustein's explicit public blessing — including her stated confidence that Edwards will pursue "exciting new growth" beyond the legacy she nurtured for 26 years.
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