Robert Koehler has been a longtime supporter of–and occasional contributor to–Film Journey, and I have written many times of my respect and admiration for Rose Kuo, who has transformed AFI FEST in Los Angeles the past couple of years into a major festival for world cinema, so I’m delighted to quote Variety‘s announcement yesterday:
“Robert Koehler, longtime film critic and freelance writer for Variety and other publications, has been tapped director of programming for this year’s edition of AFI Fest.
Due to assume his duties in May, Koehler will work as the fest’s No. 2 under artistic director Rose Kuo and will scout for possible entries at numerous international festivals, beginning in Cannes.
Dates for this year’s fest aren’t yet finalized, but the event will run beginning at the end of October or early November.”
Congratulations to you both!