12/09/2007

Irish film industry veteran Joanne O’Hagan has been appointed CEO of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF). O’Hagan began her career with Graph Films producing fly-on-the-wall-style documentaries for an Irish audience.

After stints in television and corporate programming, she worked on film and television programmes such as I Want A Garden, The St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, The Panel and Deirdre O’Kane Live at the Olympia. In addition, she also produced the 2007 Irish Film and Television Awards show.

Commenting on her appointment, O’Hagan said, “I am very excited about the new challenges that lie ahead. The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival has reached a great level within its first five years in existence, and I intend to bring my skills in organisation and management to ensure the continued success of what is a fantastic event within the national calendar. I am very much looking forward to the coming year and working with our festival director, Grainne Humphreys, in producing a festival that is even better than before and developing relationships with our funders and partners, most notably The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.”

Festival Chairman David Mc Loughlin added, “She possesses a rare combination of production, financing and logistical talents which will be of particular benefit to the operational and financial management of the festival's expanding activities. We look forward to Joanne making a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the festival as it enters its sixth year."

The JDIFF has in the past five years grown admissions from 12,000 to over 30,000 in 2007. The sixth edition of the festival will take place February 15-28, 2008.