Rose Kuo Out As Film Society Of Lincoln Center Executive Director

The Film Society Of Lincoln Center revealed today that Rose Kuo will exit as executive director and will be replaced by managing director Lesli Klainberg, who oversaw the past three New York Film Festivals. She will now be Interim Executive Director. Kuo will be a consultant through early 2014 to smooth a transition. Kuo came in during the summer of 2010, displacing former Public Theater exec director Mara Manus.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to steward the Film Society through an amazing period of transformation and growth into new frontiers,” Kuo said in a statement. “After the successful opening of the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, the milestone celebrations of the 50th New York Film Festival and Film Comment magazine, the 40th Chaplin Award Tribute and New Directors/New Films, and this year’s installation of a new creative team, the organization is now in a perfect place for me to make my own transition. Leading the Film Society has been one of the most interesting, rewarding and enjoyable experiences I have ever had and it has opened many new and exciting opportunities.”

Said FSLC board chairman Ann Tenenbaum: “Rose came on board with an expertise that was invaluable to this organization, and during a time when we needed this leadership the most. She has guided us through an incredible growth period, and we are thrilled to have been able to work so closely with her these last three and a half years.”

“The organization has accomplished a tremendous amount under the stewardship of Rose, and for that we are thankful. She leaves us with an exceptionally strong team, and in a position to now continue strengthening our relationships within the film community, build the profile of the organization overall and further solidify our theaters as important cultural destinations.” said Dan Stern, the Film Society of Lincoln Center Board President.

Klainberg has long been involved in running non-profit organizations, and her credits as producer include Paul Monette: The Brink Of Summer’s End, Beware Of Mr. Backer, and A Place At The Table.