James Hewison is currently the Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. James will explore the function of cinema as an agent for change.
From freelance writing for publications such as the French newspaper Liberation, to marketing roles at Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Palace Cinemas, the early years of James’ career were spent in journalism and film. These diverse experiences consolidated James’ knowledge of the media and film industries, enabling him to take on the role of Executive Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2001, where he remained for six years, before moving to the Australian Film Institute in 2006 as CEO. From 2007 to 2011, he was Theatrical Distribution Manager for Madman Entertainment. During his time at Madman, James managed the releases of multi-award winning Australian features such as Animal Kingdom and Snowtown.
In addition to James’ extensive experience in film distribution and marketing, he has worked in production, most notably as the Associate Producer on Clara Law’s Letters To Ali, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2004. He has been collaborating with filmmakers Amiel Courtin- Wilson and LA based Rick Charnoski. Most recently he curated the projections & and live performance events, Under The Wire, for the 2016 Melbourne Festival.
James consulted for 5 years across development, acquisition, curation and distribution for a range of international clients, from Canal+ to Hobart’s iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). He also was Head of Development and Acquisitions for the award-winning production and distribution company, Curious.