New leading roles for Sonoma Film Fest

The Sonoma International Film Festival has made a few major off-screen casting changes, as longtime executive and creative director Kevin W. McNeely slides into the role of SIFF Director Emeritus.

Ginny Krieger, part of the event since 2001, is the new Executive Director. And Carl Spence, with 28 years in the film industry, most recently with the Miami Film Festival, is now SIFF’s Artistic  Director.

Krieger has held management roles with SIFF including Administrative Director, Assistant Director and Co-Director. Her management, finance, strategy and organizational acumen provide the needed guidance and leadership necessary to produce world-class festival experiences year after year, McNeely said. 

Spence has held programming posts with film festivals Palm Springs, San Francisco and Seattle. His resume includes marketing, sponsorship, publicity, and talent management. “I am so excited to have Carl Spence join the SIFF team as our Artistic Director,” said McNeely. “His past festival experiences, coupled with his industry contacts promises to take SIFF to a new level.”

SIFF launches presents it 2022 Summerfest, including an outdoor screening at Cheateau St. winery, August 4-6.