The Music Hall takes reins of NH Film Festival in 2024
PORTSMOUTH – The Music Hall and Tina Sawtelle, its executive director, are taking over leadership of the New Hampshire Film Festival in 2024.
Nicole Gregg, the festival’s founding director, announced she is stepping down, though she will continue as an adviser. She stated in a press release the transition for the 22nd annual event to be held Oct. 17-20 has been seamless.
“NHFF joins an institution with resources including a full-time staff, professional leadership and New Hampshire’s most stunning performance venues,” Gregg said in a prepared statement. “NHFF is better positioned for long-term success gaining instant experience and credibility. With The Music Hall’s industry connections and marketing reach, NHFF programming will achieve new heights and grow our audience.”
Sawtelle said the move aligns with mission of the The Music Hall, a longtime primary host of the film festival, which typically utilizes multiple Portsmouth venues each year.
“This is a perfect fit,” Sawtelle said in a prepared statement. “Bringing independent filmmakers and filmgoers together for the four-day festival under the auspices of The Music Hall makes total sense. With our ticketing technology and other resources, we will build on the success of the New Hampshire Film Festival to attract even more producers, writers, directors, actors, and filmgoers to Portsmouth. We are excited to support the capable and experienced NHFF team to increase the festival’s impact on the regional and international independent film community.”
The call for entries for the festival is open. Film and screenplay submissions can be made at NHfilmfestival.com. Longtime festival curators Dan Hannon and Ian McCarthy will continue their roles: Hannon with a focus on industry, workshops and panels, and McCarthy with film programming.
Organizers estimates the festival attracts 10,000 visitors to Portsmouth each year, and includes more than 100 volunteers. NHFF has been an Academy Award qualifying festival in multiple categories the past few years. The festival attracts celebrities and well-known actors, directors and producers to Portsmouth, taking part in panel discussions, viewing more than 100 independent films, competing for awards, and participating in industry social events.