The head of programming at the Durban International Film Festival is to replace Clare Stewart who has taken on the role of head of exhibition at the BFI, which includes running the London Film Festival.

Moodley will be stepping down from his role as manager/head of programming at the Durban International Film Festival to move to Australia.

He has been at South Africa’s longest-running film festival since 2001 and will take up the role by January. Clare Stewart ran the Sydney Film Festival for five years. She announced her departure in June.

Moodley’s other roles include industry consultant at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, director of the AsiaAfrica Programmes for the Dubai International Film Festival and film critic for South Africa’s Sunday Tribune.

He was responsible for creating the Durban FilmMart programme, a networking event for African film makers.

“During his time at the Durban International Film Festival Nashen has been responsible for expanding the event’s content and boosting audience numbers,” said George Souris, New South Wales minister for tourism.

The 59th Sydney Film Festival runs from 6-17 June in 2012 and is accepting submissions to the main festival programme until February 27.