Brenda Robinson Named Acting President of Film Independent as Eric d’Arbeloff Becomes Acting Board Chair (EXCLUSIVE)

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After the demise of its long-serving president Josh Welsh on December 31st, Film Independent is implementing temporary leadership adjustments while they embark on a hunt for a fresh leader to head the organization.

At a board meeting held on Wednesday, it was decided that Brenda Robinson assumes the role of acting president at Film Independent, whereas Eric d’Arbeloff takes over as acting board chairman in her place. These changes have taken effect from the moment the decision was made.

As a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that Robinson has revealed some reassuring insights about our future projects, saying, “I hope this will offer us a clear path forward as we chart our course for what lies ahead.” Robinson and his partner, Eric, have always had a harmonious working relationship, making their joint venture into leadership roles seem like a seamless progression. The board has been incredibly supportive of this decision.

Twelve years ago, Robinson, who refers to herself as a “recovering entertainment lawyer,” got involved with the organization, initially as a member of their Arts Circle community. In 2020, she was appointed to the board and assumed the role of vice chair in 2021. This year, she became the chair of the board.

D’Arbeloff, Roadside Attractions’ co-president and owner who has been associated with FIND for more than two decades, will lead the process to find a long-term president.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m excited about the prospect of exploring new paths for growth and development, not just for Film Independent as an organization, but also for our leadership. We find ourselves in a dynamic, ever-changing world, and it’s clear that Film Independent is poised to transition into its next iteration.

In discussing this search, I express my ambition to expand our membership base from the current 8,000 members to over 10,000 within the next five years. My ultimate goal is to double this number in the future, creating a larger, more vibrant community of film lovers and professionals.

I’ve come to realize that our reach extends far beyond being a local entity. While we never envisioned ourselves in such a light, it’s clear that there are promising growth prospects on a national and global scale. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami stand out as strategic locations where FIND can significantly expand its footprint.

Once a new president has been elected, Robinson and d’Arbeloff will revert to their former board roles. However, Robinson expresses her willingness to lead the organization on a permanent basis in the event that opportunity arises in the future.

What’s captivated me about Film Independent is their commitment to providing opportunities for those who typically don’t have industry insider access,” d’Arbeloff notes. “Josh has skillfully transitioned the organization, making it not only thrive but also pivot gracefully during the pandemic from an in-person setup to a flexible virtual or optional platform that can be accessed globally.”

(This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler sentence structures and easier-to-understand language.)

Similar to Robinson, his primary ambition is to expand the influence of FIND. “My aim is to continually grow our membership base,” he explains, “because I believe this unique aspect sets us apart from other film-centric organizations. For a modest cost, members gain access to numerous programs and have the opportunity to vote in a significant awards ceremony.” He continues, “I want to continue this expansion, and I want to honor filmmakers of various diverse cultural backgrounds by recognizing their work.

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2025-02-08 00:17