Film critic andformer HBO executive and Dwight Brown has been appointed programming directorat the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF). Brown will scout, screen andrecommend films for the festival in all categories, oversee staff, seek out newtalent, and develop outreach programmes and special presentations.

"Our rapidlyexpanding festival needs a programming executive and Dwight Brown is perfectfor the job," director Nicole Guillemet said in a statement.

Guillemetpointed out Brown's eye for emerging talent, adding: "That's the strong voicehe will bring to MIFF and we look forward to having him become a vital part ofour executive team."

"I look forwardto helping MIFF enhance its well-earned reputation for diverse and engagingprogramming," Brown said, adding that he was impressed by the festival's depthand quality of multi-ethnic programming, warmth, and outreach work in the Miamicommunity.

Brown served asdirector of HBO's film and talent evaluation department and has been a criticfor more than 20 years.

The 2006 MIFF is scheduledto run from Mar 3-12. For more details visit the official site at www.miamifilmfestival.com.