Shyama Friedenson has been promoted to senior vice president of internationalmarketing at Lionsgate.

Friedenson joined the company in 2000 and is responsible for overseeingmarketing and publicity for Lionsgate's international film division includingfestivals, and also serves as the strategic corporate liaison for publicity andmarketing with Lionsgate UK.

"Shyama has been instrumental in the growth and developmentof our international film business from its inception," commented Nick Meyer, president of international.

"Her creative instincts and her international industryexperience, combined with her global relationships with distributors and major festivals,are first class.

"Her new role is integral to our ongoing expansion as a majorLionsgate operating business, particularly in light of our latest move into theinternational distribution market with Lionsgate UK."

Friedenson will oversee the worldwide premiere in Venice of Lionsgate'sdocumentary The US Vs John Lennon, and J-horror title Retribution.

Her credits include William Friedkin's Bug, Hotel Rwanda, and Monster's Ball, as well as upcoming releases Saw III, Right At Your Door, Rogue and Crank.

Friedenson, who reports directly to Meyer, previously served asvice president of marketing for the international division.

Prior to joining the company she worked as a communications specialist for FidelityInvestments in Boston.