FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2024
Media Contact: jacob@dceff.org
DCEFF NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SETS 2025 DATES
Under new leadership, the Environmental Film Festival returns to the nation’s capital for its 33rd year next March
Washington D.C. — The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF), the country’s largest and longest-running showcase of films about issues affecting our planet, announced today that Monica Schorn has been named the organization’s new Executive Director. She will be responsible for guiding DCEFF’s overall strategy and vision heading into their 33rd Annual Festival, officially scheduled for March 20-29, 2025.
A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Schorn brings over 15 years of festival experience with her into the role, including seven in various positions with the Environmental Film Festival. The Silver Spring native’s festival résumé also includes communications, operations, programming, and production roles with Fusion Film Festival, Nantucket Film Festival, Annapolis Film Festival, and AFI DOCS.
“Monica Schorn has the experience, insight, and leadership that we celebrate at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital,” shared DCEFF Founder Flo Stone. “Her clear instinct for teamwork and collaboration, as well as her knowledge of quality films, environmental issues, and strong public programs provide inspiration for our work and future plans.”
Those future plans include another 10-day festival in March 2025, for which DCEFF is now accepting submissions. In an effort to support and highlight the local film community, the Festival is offering a submission waiver code to DC-area filmmakers and films focused on local issues. As always, DCEFF is looking to present the very best in environmental filmmaking, including (but not limited to) films exploring climate change, social justice, conservation, public health, sustainability, and outdoor adventure.
“33 years in and we only have more to say,” shared new Executive Director Monica Schorn. “As an institution at the heart of the nation’s capital, the Environmental Film Festival couldn’t be better positioned to spotlight those on the frontlines of storytelling, activism, policymaking, and community-building. The calibre of filmmaking and the stakes of these conversations have only increased since our inaugural Festival in 1993. It’s an honor to carry on this work, in collaboration with our partners and on behalf of the planet, towards a more just and verdant future.”
About DCEFF:
Since 1993, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital has presented an annual slate of screenings and discussions each March at venues throughout the DC Metro Area, including museums, universities, embassies, and other cultural institutions. The Festival is one of the largest conveners in the world for filmmakers, policymakers, experts, and organizers to discuss important issues facing our planet.
In addition to their annual Festival, DCEFF presents regular programming throughout the year. On the calendar for the remainder of 2024 are monthly virtual screenings. These free programs will highlight popular films that were presented in-person during the 2024 Festival and will be available to stream nationally. DCEFF will also co-present a selection of films (TBA) at AFI’s upcoming Latin American Film Festival (September 19-October 10).
To learn more about DCEFF and see a calendar of upcoming events, visit dceff.org.