Melbourne Queer Film Festival announces new Program Manager
Image: Spiro Economopoulos is Melbourne Queer Film Festival's new Program Manager.
MELBOURNE Queer Film Festival (MQFF) has appointed Spiro Economopoulos as its new Program Manager, who will be responsible for curating the annual program.
Economopoulos will continue the work of long-time festival director Lisa Daniel, who recently hung up her coat after 16 years at the helm.
[showads ad=MREC]“I think that the festival has been growing and that Lisa has left an amazing legacy behind her,” he told the Star Observer.
“She’s pushed it into a good place, and my role is to add on to that and bring my own signature to the festival.”
Before coming into the newly-created role, Economopoulos spent over eight years curating various film strands at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and held previous positions with Madman Entertainment and the Dungog Festival.
When asked about his favourite kinds of queer films, Economopoulos’ response was simple.
“I love film in general, but at the end of the day if a film’s good that’s what I want to see,” he said.
“This year is a really good year for queer film actually, which is surprising. I’m quite lucky because there‘s an embarrassment of riches to choose from.”
Looking ahead, he said he would like to include more retrospective screenings at the next festival, and believes there will be plenty of great Australian films on offer.
“I absolutely love Australian film, and it’s always great when you have new content to screen,” Economopoulos said.
MQFF co-convenor Fiona Kelly believes Economopoulos’ new appointment will ensure the future success of the festival.
“Spiro has a passion for queer film and extensive knowledge,” she says. “His appointment will be key in ensuring the continuation of MQFF as a leading cultural institution in Melbourne,” she said.
Economopoulos will work alongside Dillan Golightly, who was appointed the festival’s new Executive Director last month.
“With the two new roles, there’s an opportunity for both of us to jump into it and leave our own mark on the festival,” he said.
“We’re both excited to bring new ideas into the program and add to what’s already been developed by Lisa.”
Submissions for the 26th Melbourne Queer Film Festival will open in August. The festival will run from March 31 to April 11, 2016.
The Star Observer is a proud media partner of Melbourne Queer Film Festival
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