The Midwest Independent Film Festival, which has been in somewhat of an identity makeover since Mike McNamara stepped down from the role of executive director in 2017, is placing its bets on Camera Ambassador’s managing partner Erica Duffy to right the ship.
The nonprofit organization has been a staple of Chicago’s independent film community since McNamara co-founded it with Potenza Productions’ Mike Kwielford in 2005.
Kwielford took on the role of president when Chicago Crain’s Daily Gist host Amy Guth stepped in as executive director.
The two stepped down from their roles in early November.
Duffy is a founder and managing partner of Camera Ambassador, a full service rental and production house based in Chicago. As a producer, she has worked with MTV News, Vic Mensa and Fox’s series Empire.
MIFF released a press release announcing Duffy’s role and plans of re-launching. Read the release below:
“To Our Wonderful MIFF Community,
Thank you for supporting us over the past 15 years! We are working on many changes for the festival and are extraordinarily excited to continue as a platform for Midwest filmmakers. Please help us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Erica Duffy!
She is a founder and managing partner of Camera Ambassador, a full service rental and production house based in Chicago. She is also a producer who has worked with clients such as MTV News, Vic Mensa, and Fox’s Empire. We are looking forward to bringing her fresh ideas to the filmmaking community.
We will be taking a few months to rebrand the Midwest Independent Film Festival, with full intention to continue showcasing Midwest filmmakers. As a volunteer-based organization, we welcome your hands on deck, to build a new vision for 2020.
If you would like to join us as a volunteer or sponsor, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Erica at Erica@MidWestFilm.com. We would also love to hear what you want to see MIFF do in the future! We thank you for your patience as we take time off to create a better festival for our members!
Best,
The Midwest Independent Film Festival”
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With so many independent film festivals now occurring in Chicago, Duffy will have her work cut out for her. We at Reel Chicago are rooting for her and MIFF.
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reel360.com
