Jesse Wente Appointed Head of Film Programmes for TIFF Bell Lightbox

TORONTO – Noah Cowan, Artistic Director, TIFF Bell Lightbox, announced today that Jesse Wente has been appointed Head of Film Programmes for TIFF Bell Lightbox, effective April 12, 2010.

“Jesse is among the most trusted voices in cinema for the people of Toronto and brings to TIFF a powerful, future-looking vision for the overall programming slate at TIFF Bell Lightbox,” said Cowan. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have Jesse joining us during such an exciting period in the history and evolution of the organization.”

Wente is currently a critic at CBC's Metro Morning, and has been a highly regarded Canadian Feature Film Selection Committee member at the Festival for four years. Additionally, he is a passionate and creative administrator in the arts and First Nations communities. His responsibilities will include overall film scheduling, Limited Runs, in addition to overseeing series and TIFF Cinematheque programming. Wente joins recent hire Shane Smith, former CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival Director, to complete this final round of senior programming hires for TIFF Bell Lightbox.

“As someone who has spent his life devoted to movies, as a fan, a student and professionally, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help make TIFF Bell Lightbox the definitive destination for great films,” said Wente. “I look forward to embracing the opportunity to ensure that the best movies from Canada and the world will be shown on TIFF Bell Lightbox’s screens.”