Kareem Tabsch returns to Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Fest as program director

From Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival:

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Miami & Fort Lauderdale  Gay & Lesbian Film Festivals

Community Update

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September 18, 2008

Since our last communication, your MGLFF/FLGLFF Board has been moving forward to implement the new operating plans for the 11th Annual Festival in April 2009.

We are delighted that two key positions have now been filled: Kareem Tabsch has returned to the Festival as Program Director. Kareem has played an integral role in the organization as a staff member for six years. He was directly involved in the selection of Festival films, cultivation of members and grant writing. His role and long history with the festival provides important continuity with film industry colleagues, filmmakers, producers and distributors. Kareem recently represented the MGLFF/FLGLFF at the Toronto International Film Festival held from September 4-13, 2008. While attending, Kareem was able to initiate important contacts and view/invite films that may eventually become part of our 11th Annual Film Festival. Brittany Clay has also returned to our operations team to assure seamless execution of the logistics of the Festival. Aside from her experience working with the Miami International Film Festival, Brittany has been a part of our seasonal staff for several years, managing our box office and member services.

We continue our discussions with highly qualified candidates for the Executive Director position. The recruitment and selection process is focusing on credentials and experience within the film and not-for-profit industries. This position involves broad responsibilities to include: fiscal management, capital campaign, event planning, liaison with corporate, foundation and government supporters, board and staff development - and requires thorough and careful consideration to assure the final selection is right for the MGLFF/FLGLFF and the community we serve.

We would also like to announce the location of our new home located at 7251 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 107 in Miami. Our new office is significantly larger and will allow us to be more cost effective and efficient.

The Board will also maintain its "high road" approach in communications with the media and the local community by periodically releasing informative and factual news. We accept and treat constructive criticism and praise equally and this important input is driving the necessary evolution to assure that the MGLFF/FLGLFF continues the past decade of success well into the future.

We look forward to providing additional information as we move forward towards our 11th Annual Film Festival. Please do not hesitate to contact us at fcastro@mglff.com or kareem@mglff.com