John Cooper, the former director of the Sandans Film Festival, won the title of the new artistic director of the Way West Film Center.
As an art director, Cooper will focus on formulating and implementing the artistic vision that directs all programs, including education, film shows and the annual West Film Festival. Cooper comes at a time when the True West Film Center is preparing to move to the James Redford campus with a three -screen cinema and educational spaces this summer in Healdsburg, California, the historic Wine Country city north of San Francisco.
“I am pleased to welcome John in True West as our new technical manager,” said CEO Catherine Philip. “For decades, Cooper has shown an exceptional vision, artistic knowledge and passion for supporting independent filmmakers. While we look forward to opening our cinemas and expanding our programs to serve more residents of Sonoma Province more than ever, I feel overwhelmed because we will do this with benefit From the deep Cooper experience and vulgar creative instincts.
Cooper was on the front lines of the independent American film at the Sandans Institute for more than 30 years, as he eventually worked as a festival director from 2010 to 2020. During his period there, Art House Conversion and led the festival’s expansion in satellite events in New York and Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong. Before his time in Sundance, Outfest led the annual Los Angeles Festival to celebrate LGBTQ+ films, from 1995 to 1998.
“I am honored to join the True West team at this pivotal moment,” Cooper said in a statement. “As a long -term hero of artistic cinemas, I know that the film has the ability to combine people. I am inspired by this opportunity to build a vibrant movie culture in the Bay of the North.”
