Film Forum announced Monday that Sonya Chung will be stepping down from her position of Director at the end of the year. Sonya has worked at Film Forum for 20 years including being its Deputy Director from 2020-2023. She has been the Director of Film Forum since mid-2023, shortly after the long tenured
Karen Cooper announced her retirement after 50 years at the helm.
Film Forum's Board has already started a national search for a replacement. In a statement, Board Chair Gray Coleman says, "Sonya has evolved management and organizational structures with an eye to the future, laying the groundwork for Film Forum's long-term capacity to serve its devoted audience, philanthropic supporters, the independent film industry, and the NYC cultural community. She leaves the organization in fine form for her successor—and for the next generation of filmgoers."
"It has been a privilege to serve and lead Film Forum these last 5 1/2 years," comments Chung. "I am stepping down as Director for much the same reasons I accepted the position: I love Film Forum and want it to thrive, mature, and remain deeply anchored as a NYC gem that means so much to so many people. This is the right and best time for the next evolution of leadership. I am proud of what our team—along with the filmmakers, industry colleagues, and organizations we partner with—has accomplished together, and I am genuinely excited for this next chapter in Film Forum's journey."
For more info on what's playing at Film Forum, visit their website at
filmforum.org.