FIN Atlantic International Film Festival has new executive director

Martha Cooley will assume the role on April 25

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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The FIN Atlantic International Film Festival has a new executive director.

Martha Cooley will assume the role on April 25.

Cooley has served as the executive director of Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP) since 2013 where she oversaw its Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival.

She’s sat on the boards of the Light House Arts Centre, WIFT-AT and Screen Nova Scotia and is the current treasurer of the Independent Media Arts Alliance.

Cooley also worked as a producer on Heather Young’s feature film Murmur, which was featured at the festival’s Opening Night Gala in 2019.

“It’s such an exciting time to move into this role, as we regather in cinemas and outdoor screening venues, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to serve the film community in a new way,” she said in a news release.

“During my time at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, I had the honor of being part of many filmmakers’ first experiences of filmmaking, and now at FIN, I’ll be part of how local and international films are recognized and celebrated with audiences.”

Cooley replaces Wayne Carter, who spent a decade in the executive director role for the film festival.

Earlier this month, he told CityNews Halifax he planned to enjoy a little down time before figuring out his next move.

“It’s nerve-racking for sure,” Carter said. “Rarely do I leave without having something to go to, but I am looking forward to some major changes.”