Larry Brownell to assume role effective February 2010
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) recently announced that Lawrence J. Brownell will serve as the association’s next executive director effective February 1, 2010. Brownell comes to the AFCI with more than 20 years experience in managing not-for-profit and membership organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications, film and television from Syracuse University and an MBA from California State University-Northridge. As executive director, he will oversee all AFCI operations and programs including Locations Trade Show and the Cineposium conference as well as the association’s professional development initiatives including the AFCI Certified Film Commissioner program. He will work from the Los Angeles area, providing the AFCI with a Southern California base for many of its programs.
Brownell’s most recent position was as chief executive officer of the Market Research Association, a membership organization comprised of more than 3000 individuals and businesses involved in the survey and research profession. He previously held management positions with the California-Nevada Section of American Water Works Association, the California Society of CPAs, and Ability First of Southern California. He serves as an American Red Cross volunteer, and is the recipient of service awards from the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of America, the American Heart Association, and the Arthritis Foundation.
AFCI President Mary Nelson commented, “We are fortunate and delighted to welcome Larry Brownell as our executive director. He possesses a unique combination of skills and expertise that are ideally suited to the AFCI and its mission. He comes to the AFCI with a great depth of association management experience that includes communications, new technology, finance, trade shows, conferences, education, and international relations.
“I’m eager to assume my new role leading the AFCI in a position that offers me the opportunity to put forth my management experience, an education in communications, television and film, as well as a keen interest in working with global membership organizations. I couldn’t imagine a more ideal partnership,” said Brownell.
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television, and video production throughout the world. It is a non-profit educational association whose network of members serves as city, county, state, regional, provincial, or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.
Contact:Kevin Clark AFCI Executive Office Communications Manager Contact via email www.afci.org Ph: 307-637-4422
Asian World Film Festival Announces Dates, Opening and Closing Films, Special Programs, and Gala Awards Ceremony
The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), Los Angeles' annual celebration of Asian filmmakers, announced the dates and highlights of its highly anticipated 10th anniversary edition. Taking place November 13-21, 2024, the festival will showcase a diverse range of new movies and special programs and celebrate Asian cinema’s legacy. Opening night will feature the critically acclaimed Korean drama, “A Normal Family,” while the Filipino romantic drama “Hello, Love, Again” is the closing film. Screenings will be presented at the Culver Theater, Culver City, November 13-20. A star-studded Closing Night Gala and Award Ceremony will be celebrated at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) complex November 21. Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director, said “We have chosen ‘heritage’ as this year’s theme to honor our first decade. This focus underscores AWFF's commitment to Asian cinema’s rich past as well as its ongoing efforts to champion contemporary and emerging Asian film.” OPENING AND CLOSING FILMS Directed by award-winning filmmaker Hur Jin-ho ("The Last Princess," "Happiness"), "A Normal Family" is a searing family drama that stars Sul Kyung-gu and Jong Dong-gun. Multi-layered yet accessible, the film was meticulously crafted in widescreen and premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. The heartwarming sequel to Philippine box office phenomenon "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "Hello, Love, Again" reunites director Cathy Garcia-Sampana ("The Hows of Us," "One More Chance") with stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. The filmmaker, actors, and other cast members will attend the screening at the film’s festival debut. MAIN PROGRAM - IN COMPETITION AWFF's main... Read More