Woodstock Film Festival’s “Virtual Films & Conversations” program continues with an in depth chat with IFC Film’s Executive Vice President Arianna Bocco, Magnolia Pictures’ Executive Vice President Dori Begley, and Eugene Hernandez, Director of the New York Film Festival and Publisher of Film Comment at Film at Lincoln Center where he serves as Deputy Executive Director. The chat, moderated by WFF’s Executive Director Meira Blaustein, will be held on April 23rd at 7pm EST. The conversation will explore the current and future state of the movie industry, as seen through the eyes of experts from film distribution companies and top film festivals.
Click the link below to register for the talk ahead of time or join them on Facebook Live.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Arianna Bocco has spent over a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films, Sundance Selects and IFC Midnight, three multi-platform film distribution labels owned and operated by AMC Networks, Inc.
Since joining the company in 2006, Bocco has spearheaded all acquisitions at the company, acquiring the rights to some of the most critically acclaimed independent films from around the world. Under her leadership, the company has acquired over 400 films including Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD, a Golden Globe® winner for Best Motion Picture (Drama), an Oscar® nominee for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing and winner for Best Supporting Actress; Cristian Mungiu’s Palme d’Or winner 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS; Gus Van Sant’s PARANOID PARK; Armando Iannuci’s Oscar® nominated IN THE LOOP; Lars Von Trier’s ANTICHRIST, and many more.
Bocco is revered for her vast experience in acquisitions, production and development, having held a variety of high-level posts throughout her career. In 2010, she was named to Crain’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2009 Rising Stars and to Moves’ Top 20 Power Women of 2010. Prior to joining the company, Bocco served as head of the independent feature packaging division of the Gersh Agency in New York City, and previously, she worked at Miramax Films as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions. While at Miramax Films, she was
involved in acquiring such notable films as Zach Braff’s GARDEN STATE and Tom McCarthy’s THE STATION AGENT.
Bocco earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. She currently resides in New York City, with her dog Henry.
Dori Begley currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Magnolia Pictures. Joining the company as Director of Acquisitions in 2007, she has overseen more than a decade of buys for Magnolia Pictures, Magnet Releasing, Magnolia Home Entertainment and Magnolia International Sales.
Begley’s current role was expanded to include the management of strategic partnerships and oversight of theatrical marketing and distribution strategies. Notable recent releases include the Oscar-nominated documentary RBG; Oscar-nominated and Palme d’Or winning SHOPLIFTERS; and Oscar-nominated documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. Upcoming releases include Dawn Porter’s JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE and Elyse Steinberg, Josh Kriegman, and Eli Despres’ ACLU documentary THE FIGHT.
Begley began her career in 2000 with Sony Pictures Classics working on an eclectic slate of award-winning titles from renowned filmmakers around the globe. She is an Executive Branch member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Vassar College graduate and resident of Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Eugene Hernandez is Director of the New York Film Festival and Publisher of Film Comment at Film at Lincoln Center where he serves as Deputy Executive Director. His duties include strategic leadership, programming special events, and managing emerging artist, industry, and education initiatives. He joined Film at Lincoln Center in 2010 as Director of Digital Strategy to develop digital platforms and content. In 1996, Hernandez co-founded IndieWire, which he built over 15 years as it became the leading editorial publication for independent and international films, filmmakers, industry, and audiences.
He was named on Out magazine’s OUT100 list in 2015 and has served as a juror at Sundance, SXSW, and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. He has also worked extensively as a consultant for several nonprofits, including the Creative Capital Foundation; written for major print and online publications; serves on the board of advisors for SXSW, SeriesFest, and Art House Convergence; and is a programming consultant for the Key West Film Festival.
