Elizabeth Donius, whose experience strides indie films and TV docs, was named executive director of IFP/ Chicago by the board of directors after a three-month search. She replaces Rebekah Cowing, who resigned in April after a four-year stint. At the same time, IFP/ Chicago moved its office to Columbia College.
Donius said her independent producer background gives her first-hand knowledge of the “importance of a film organization to its members as a source of information, opportunity and community.” She looks forward “to creating useful programs that connect IFP filmmakers to each other and to opportunities within the film industry,” she added.
Most recently, Donius was communications coordinator for PBS’ “P.O.V.” She was also segment producer for Independent Film Channel’s “Split Screen,” about independent filmmaking, and executive assistant at Time Warner/HBO.
As an independent film producer, Donius made the16mm “Headless,” about two young women and their complicated relationship with their hometown, Sleepy Hollow, New York. She co-produced “Deiser Zug Endet Heir,” a short doc about a young Kurdish immigrant from Turkey who explores life on the far eastern edge of Berlin. “World’s Largest,” a one-hour doc work-in-progress, that surveys the American phenomenon of building oversized objects, was selected for the 2003 Berlin International Film Festival Berlinale Talent Campus.
IFP/Chicago, a 17-year organization, has approximately 400 members. They include directors, producers, writers, technicians, distributors, investors, students and organizations. Its mission is to provide education, resources and information to members and non-members. Monthly meetings are held at the Old State of Illinois Building (posted in Calendar) and the annual fall conference is a highlight event.
IFP/Chicago is at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash, suite 403; phone 312/235-0161; fax, 312/235- 0162.
