We're thrilled to announce that our special guest for the July Screen Industry Networking event will be none other than Damien Hodgkinson, the CEO of the Melbourne Film Festival! 

Damien joined Australia's largest film festival in March 2024 after 11 years at the helm of Melbourne International Comedy Festival as its Executive Director. In that role, he successfully grew the Festival’s audience and impact. Before this, he served as Executive Director Operations & Company Secretary with the Australia Business Arts Foundation and has also been CEO of Melbourne Fringe Festival. 

Damien’s extensive experience – both executive and non-executive – crosses festivals, performing arts, visual arts, artists with a disability, arts for young people and tertiary arts education. He has also held national leadership roles in the government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. This dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion resonates with MIFF's commitment to championing dynamic and diverse voices from across the globe. 

As MIFF's new CEO, Damien Hodgkinson will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Festival. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing MIFF's purpose to discover and showcase exceptional film talent and cinematic artistry and to deliver compelling festival experiences for audiences.

Thursday, 4th July 2024, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, via Zoom.