Jessica Edwards has been named the new executive director of the Woodstock Film Festival, the organization announced Sunday as the 27th annual festival came to a close. Edwards will take over the role from Meira Blaustein, the festival’s co-founder.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica at the Woodstock Film Festival over the past few years, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for her,” said Blaustein. “As a filmmaker, a distribution consultant, and a former publicist, Jessica brings with her deep understanding, creative vision, and vast and strong contacts in the film industry. As a resident of the Hudson Valley, she knows and loves the region and its community. I am confident that she will not only retain the vision of the Woodstock Film Festival, which I have worked so long and hard to build and nurture, but will lead it towards an exciting new growth. I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring. Welcome, Jessica!”
Claude Dal Farra, who serves as president of the festival’s board, also welcomed Edwards appointment.
“From our very first meeting with Jessica, it was clear to us that she was the natural person to succeed Meira and carry forward the extraordinary work Meira has done over more than 25 years,” she said. “Jessica understands what makes the Woodstock Film Festival special — its commitment to filmmakers, its independent spirit, and its deep connection to the Hudson Valley — while also bringing the experience, energy, and vision to lead it into its next chapter. On behalf of the Board, we are tremendously excited to welcome Jessica as our new Executive Director, and to work with her on the future of the Festival.”
Edwards shared that this role is one she considers a “dream job.” “I’m honored to build on the founders’ legacy and help shape the festival’s future,” she said. “Woodstock’s history is shaped by its creativity, innovation, and independent spirit. I want to carry that spirit forward by bringing filmmakers and industry partners from around the world together with audiences here in the Hudson Valley. My vision for the festival is to create opportunities for people to meet, share ideas, and discover films together — connections that I hope will support filmmakers and inspire the next generation of cinema lovers.”
The festival ran from Wednesday to Sunday, during which an Honorary Maverick Award was presented to Blaustein to recognize her leadership, more than 26 years of dedication to independent cinema and the legacy she has built.
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 & Rachel Lauren Mueller.