UK’s Barbican names head of cinema

EXCLUSIVE: London arts venue the Barbican has named US film curator Rebecca Fons as its head of cinema.

Fons will take up the role from early September, and is relocating to the UK. She joins from the Gene Siskel Film Center, a public programme of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she is currently working as the director of programming. Fons was also the programming director for the historic Iowa Theater in her hometown of Winterset.

She takes over from Cary Sawhney, who held the position on an interim basis, after Gali Gold left the post in October.

Fons previously served as programming director for nonprofit cinema organisation FilmScene in Iowa City and as education director for the Chicago International Film Festival.

She was appointed after an extensive international recruitment campaign led by Arts Consulting Group. She will oversee the Barbican’s film programme and take a leading role in the development of the cinema strategy.

“I am honoured to join the talented Barbican team, and work alongside my colleagues to uphold the centre’s revered history of presenting distinct, thoughtfully curated cinema; while shepherding creative collaboration across disciplines at the Barbican, and exploring what we can create together beyond the frame,” said Fons.

“Film has been my passion and profession for over two decades, and the opportunity to facilitate the coming together of friends, neighbours, and strangers for the collective moviegoing experience is a great privilege.

“I am eager to connect with our audiences, artists, students, and partners, and, together with the cinema team, look forward to sharing with you seasons that are daring, diverse, and exceptional. The moment the lights go down and the screen begins to glow is as powerful as ever – I’ll see you at the cinema.”

Devyani Saltzman, director for arts and participation at the Barbican, added: “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Rebecca to the Barbican. Her love and knowledge of film, her experience helming the Gene Siskel Film Center, connected to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her passionate and collaborative approach to leadership, will only allow us to build on the amazing work of the Barbican cinema team whilst contributing to realising our renewed artistic vision.”

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