Adelaide Film Festival appoints new Chief Executive

Experienced film festival curator Mathew Kesting has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and Creative Director of the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF).

Kesting who has extensive experience with almost 20 years in the Australia film industry, including AFF Programs Manager since 2015, won the position from a strong field of international and national candidates.

In between AFF’s biennial programs he has been Exhibition Manager at Adelaide’s Mercury Cinema and has curated six editions of the OzAsia film program.

Kesting was also the Program Manager at the Brisbane International Film Festival from 2006 until 2008 and produced the 15/15 Film Festival between 1999-2009.

Chair of the AFF Sandra Sdraulig said Kesting’s depth of knowledge, love for films, festivals and screen culture will ensure the continued success of the AFF, commenting "the Adelaide Film Festival is a brilliant showcase of the best of our local industry and its growing future potential, and Mr Kesting has been part of that for some time now."

“For him to continue on as its Chief Executive and Creative Director will ensure the next festival will be as internationally recognised as the last.”

Kesting, although excited about the opportunity remains discreet about future plans, advising “the Adelaide Festival has a unique and important niche in the broader Australian production culture.

'I am really focused on audiences as well. The festival is where artists and audiences develop active relationships, and it is an important conduit between them. It is important to offer that opportunity in diverse locations.

“I want to continue to support creative talent in this state and help grow South Australia and Australia’s reputation for filmmaking."

“It is important for local audiences to see Australian stories on the big screen and supporting the effort to bring more films to them is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Over recent years the South Australian Government has drastically reduced funding for the arts, although as noted by ArtsHub, the arts sector has applauded the recently relreased South Australian Arts Plan process.  

ArtsHub Editor Richard Watts recently wrote “the review ... follows the dismissal of Peter Louca, former Executive Director of Arts South Australia, in August 2018; the downgrading of Arts South Australia; the subsequent reduction of Arts South Australia staff by at least 42%, and the loss of $4.9 million from the 2018/19 arts budget.

South Australian Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni said it is exciting to have someone of Kesting’s ability and passion for the South Australian film sector to lead the renowned AFF which also reflects the State Government’s commitment to enhance creative arts and job opportunities in South Australia.

Minister Pisoni “the government is committed to creating new career opportunities for young South Australians and growing our creative arts sector is just one way of doing this.

“The Adelaide Film Festival has established a global reputation as a bold and innovative event, which last year showcased exciting new talent in the Australian screen industry, with an amazing variety in the 139 films that featured, 29 of which were South Australian.”

The next Adelaide Film Festival will take place in 2020.