Joana Vicente announced Friday she will step down as the chief executive officer of the Sundance Institute.

“After two and half inspiring years, I have made the decision to begin a new chapter and will be moving on from my role as CEO of Sundance Institute,” Vicente said in a statement. “Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of leading two of the most culturally significant organizations for independent film in North America through some of the most challenging times for our industry. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m so proud of the work our Sundance team has accomplished together, championing independent storytellers and amplifying their voices.”

Vicente assumed the Sundance Institute CEO role from Keri Putnam in 2021, and not only helped sustain the independent film nonprofit’s support of global storytellers, but expanded its support, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2022, Vicente helped the Sundance Film Festival return to an in-person format, while still welcoming an online audience.

During Vicente’s time as CEO, Sundance Institute established new funding opportunities for underrepresented artists and storytellers, forged relationships that ensured artist programs could continue in-person labs and expanded international connections by opening new Sundance Festivals in Asia and Mexico City. 

“Joana has been a tremendous asset to the Institute and our global community of artists and has worked through some of the most challenging times for our industry during her time here,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough in a statement. “She has been a true advocate for independent storytellers, and I know she will continue to positively impact this community. On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank her for all that she has done for the institute and independent film.”

Sundance Institute’s board of trustees has announced board member Amanda Kelso as acting CEO. She will transition into her role in April, while Vicente will continue to serve as an advisor to her and the board through June.

Keslo, who holds a bachelor of arts degree in film and media studies from Columbia College, Columbia University, comes to the position with more than 25 years of experience as a creative communications and brand leader for global technology companies and as an advocate for independent storytellers.

“Amanda joined the board in 2020 because of her admiration for the work our organization does and our mission to support artists,” Burnough said. “Over these four years, her skill set from decades of work at the intersection of storytelling and technology has helped contribute to the strategic decisions the board plays a role in.”

Kelso, a member of the Producers Guild of America’s New Media Council, is also a trustee of the Sundance Institute, and she has formerly served as co-chair of the Technology Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee.

She was also actively involved in the Digital Festival Task Force, which helped Sundance pivot to an online platform during the pandemic. 

“As we look toward the future of the Sundance Institute, I am filled with both pride and humility as I take on the role of Acting CEO,” Kelso said in a statement. “It is an immense honor to return to lead during this pivotal time for arts organizations, and more specifically, independent storytellers. I believe in the power of Sundance and its ongoing impact in nurturing our mission-based work. This work is dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and connecting them with audiences around the world.”