Katrina Sedgwick has been appointed director of the inaugural 2003 and the 2005 Adelaide International Film Festival. The first edition will be held in late February or early March 2003 and will celebrate the 30th year of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

Chair of the festival board is Sydney businesswoman Cheryl Bart and her deputy is SAFC chief executive Judith Crombie. The other board members are Mojgan Khadem, the director of Serenades, convergent media executive Gabrielle Kelly, and the state's only independent film distributor, Barry Loane.

Sedgwick co-founded and co-directed the inaugural Sydney Fringe Festival and this year was artistic director of the very successful Adelaide Fringe, held in March. She curated, directed and produced a number of the Fringe events and has worked as a performer herself.

"I want our film festival to feature the world premieres of Australian films as well as explore innovative screen culture from around the world," said newly elected South Australian premier Mike Rann. "It will be designed to establish and foster a festival that will become an internationally recognised and respected event."