News Summary
The Cleveland International Film Festival is undergoing leadership changes and board expansion in preparation for its 50th anniversary. Paul Sloop has been promoted to director of programming, while Hermione Malone continues as executive director. The festival, set for upcoming years, faces challenges including financial pressures and staff departures. New strategies aim to boost community interest and re-engage audiences. CIFF is committed to adapting and thriving amidst challenges as it reaches its milestone anniversary.
Cleveland – The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced significant changes in leadership and board expansion as it gears up for its 50th anniversary in 2026. On September 17, 2025, the festival revealed the addition of six new members to its board of directors, aiming to strengthen its governance and vision for the future.
Paul Sloop has been promoted to director of programming after serving as the lead programmer for short films since 2003. With extensive experience in film programming, Sloop has previously held roles at Film Pittsburgh and the Cordillera International Film Festival. He will work alongside Hermione Malone, who has been CIFF’s executive director since June 2024, to co-create the festival’s vision moving forward.
CIFF50 is scheduled to take place from April 9 to April 18, 2026, at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. The festival aims to celebrate its milestone anniversary next year with a series of events designed to generate excitement and engagement from the community.
Malone has noted that the addition of new board members brings the board total to 30 members and succeeds long-standing directors. These new appointments come amid ongoing challenges CIFF has faced, including financial pressures following recent staff departures. Reports indicate CNFF has experienced a significant exodus of employees over the past year, which has raised concerns regarding the festival’s operational stability. Additionally, allegations of a “toxic” work environment have surfaced, prompting further scrutiny on CIFF’s future.
Board Chair Joe Marinucci acknowledged recent financial results were below projections and emphasized the need for a sustainable future. This comes after the festival’s attendance dropped notably following its relocation from Tower City Cinemas to Playhouse Square, with figures averaging around 33,000 attendees compared to approximately 105,000 pre-pandemic levels. CIFF’s reserve fund has also seen a decline, decreasing from $3 million to about $1 million, exacerbated by the end of a sponsorship partnership with major supporter PNC Bank.
In response to these challenges, CIFF is looking to reinvigorate community interest with initiatives such as “Movies and Mimosas” scheduled for October 25. This event will feature a curated selection of indie films highlighting Black creators. Furthermore, Malone noted CIFF’s intention to expand its offerings beyond traditional film screenings, aiming for more interactive experiences to draw in attendees and enhance audience engagement.
The festival is also considering significant changes to its budgeting and operational structure to secure its long-term sustainability. Local film culture will play an essential role in future programming decisions, with a focus on selecting films by Clevelanders for Clevelanders, thereby fostering a robust connection with the local community.
As the countdown to CIFF50 begins, it is evident that while the festival faces challenges, the newly initiated changes in leadership and board composition demonstrate a commitment to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland Business
- Cleveland Scene
- Cleveland.com
- FreshWater Cleveland
- Cleveland Magazine
- Wikipedia: Cleveland International Film Festival
- Google Search: Cleveland International Film Festival
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland International Film Festival
- Google News: Cleveland International Film Festival
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