Gave Lindo Named Executive Director Of ReelWorld

TORONTO, Ontario — Founder, Tonya Williams, and the shared Board of Directors of the ReelWorld Film Festival and ReelWorld Foundation (ReelWorld) announced, earlier this week, the appointment of Gave Lindo as Executive Director of both organizations as of May 1.

In his new capacity, Lindo will assume full leadership of all ReelWorld operations including the annual film festival, year-round public activities, and industry initiatives. Williams will continue her role as President to support the vision of the organization in an advisory capacity.

“As ReelWorld finishes its 15th year, it’s apparent to all of us that we have grown to the point where we are looking to expand into a year-round arts organization,” said Williams. “I am tremendously excited to welcome Gave to ReelWorld. He is a visionary and I believe his experience and leadership will steer the organization into its next exciting growth phase.”

Lindo joins ReelWorld from his position as Deputy Director of Business and Rights at Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC), having worked there since 2009.

“I am honoured to be joining ReelWorld and look forward to setting out and implementing the vision and future direction of the organization,” said Lindo. “This is a crucial time for the independent film industry and ReelWorld has an important role to play. I look forward to working closely with Tonya and the festival’s team to support filmmakers and media artists, and to connect them with audiences in Canada and around the world.”

At CBC, Lindo was responsible for negotiating and structuring deals with distributors and independent producers of original scripted programs such as The Book of Negroes, Schitt’s Creek, and Murdoch Mysteries as well as feature films such as Midnight’s Children and Breakaway.

He was also the lead business executive responsible for overseeing all aspects of CBC’s Children’s and Youth division. While at CBC, Lindo also served as chair of CBC’s Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Committee for Independent Productions and was a member of the national steering committee.

Previously, Lindo practised law at a Bay Street firm, where he specialized in media and information technology, and was also a consultant for CanWest Media.

In addition to his significant industry experience, Lindo brings to ReelWorld an expertise in fundraising and partnership development through his volunteer work, which has included service as a board director, committee member and/or advisor to a number of arts and non-profit organizations such as Obsidian Theatre Company, Hot Docs, ArtsSmarts, blackandblue dance projects, the United Way Toronto, and CivicAction.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Juris Doctor, and Master of Business Administration all from the University of Toronto.