A Personal Announcement From Executive Director Danette Wolpert

Dear Illuminate Film Festival family,

It is with a mixture of gratitude, enthusiasm and nostalgia that I share some news.

After a decade of serving as the Founding Executive Director of this extraordinary festival, I’m thrilled to announce that, beginning in June 2023, I will hand over the reins, and a new leadership team shall begin the new chapter at Illuminate. 

Reflecting on the past decade, I am overwhelmed by the depth of meaning and fulfillment I found in the festival and its community of stewards. ILLUMINATE, with its mission of elevating consciousness and inspiring transformation through film, has been so much more than a professional endeavor to me—it has been a profound personal calling, and it led me deep into my purpose. It became my teacher, and it guided me to a wiser, healthier, more awakened version of myself.

To the remarkable staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, members, attendees who have been integral to the success of ILLUMINATE, I’m infinitely grateful. Your unwavering support and dedication breathed life into this festival. You went above and beyond, weaving together a tapestry of love and purpose that illuminated countless hearts and made ILLUMINATE a beacon of light in the world of cinema and consciousness.

What a magical decade it has been!

Though I have much in the works—time off, travel, my wedding and some exciting work with the Holomovement, a wonderfully aligned global conscious initiative—I will remain dedicated to the festival as President and future Board Chair.

Illuminate's New Leadership Team

Join me now in welcoming the festival’s new Executive Director, Téana David, and the festival’s first Chief Operations Officer, Richard Wegman. 

Téana and Richard bring an incredible palette of experience to the table. Téana’s strategic vision, artistic sense and unwavering commitment to conscious cinema make her the perfect steward for our future. And with the help of Richard Wegman, whose business expertise and deep understanding of our festival's essence are invaluable, I have complete confidence that they will lead ILLUMINATE into a chapter of explosive growth and transformation, where conscious cinema can create boundless global change.

Read more about Téana and Richard in their bios and our latest press release.

With gratitude and anticipation, I look forward to the next phase of our journey together. As I assume my new role as President, I’m eager to support our new leadership team and will continue to champion the festival's mission, the power of storytelling, and the transcendence of the human spirit. Together, let us continue to elevate consciousness, inspire hearts, and create an inspired, peaceful, harmonious world that works for all.