Former IFC Films executive Ryan Werner, who left the company after seven years in 2013, might be the busiest member of New York’s independent film community. A mere two weeks after the announcement of his appointment as a senior executive for film sales company Cinetic Media, BAMcinématek has announced that Werner will serve as the venue’s Programmer at Large.
BAM, which last year appointed longtime Gabriele Caroti as its director, has been making significant efforts to pull its weight in New York’s moviegoing community — particularly with the growth of its summer festival BAMcinemaFest, which Werner will help program for its sixth edition alongside programmers Nellie Killian and David Reilly. Additionally, Werner will work with the BAMcinématek on organizing its premieres, sneak previews and special events throughout the year.
“We’re very excited to have Ryan on the BAM team after working with him for many years,” Caroti said in a statement. Citing Werner’s role in organizing BAM’s “Focus on IFC Films” series as well as various sneak previews and BAMcinemaFest bookings of IFC releases, Caroti singled out Werner’s sensibilities as both a cinephile and industry veteran as the key reason for the hire. “His impeccable taste and industry knowledge is truly unparalleled,” Caroti said, “and most importantly, he is a passionate champion of cinema — from Luc Dardenne to Lena Dunham.”
Werner will continue his work with Cinetic, having officially started working in the company’s New York office this week.
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