Jean Prewitt will step down after 25 years with the Independent Film & Television Alliance
In a pivotal moment for the independent film industry, the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) has announced that its long-time President and CEO, Jean Prewitt, will step down at the end of 2025. Prewitt’s departure comes after 25 years of leadership during which she transformed IFTA and its flagship event, the American Film Market® (AFM®), into global forces shaping independent cinema.
The announcement follows AFM’s highly anticipated return to Los Angeles, a milestone that Prewitt was committed to seeing through before transitioning leadership. Her exit marks the end of an era, just as the independent film landscape faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities driven by rapid changes in streaming, financing, and distribution models.
A Quarter Century of Transformational Leadership
Prewitt’s tenure at IFTA has been nothing short of transformative. When she took the helm, the independent film industry was grappling with the early effects of digital disruption and increasing consolidation among major studios. Over the years, she helped independent producers and distributors adapt to seismic shifts in how films are financed, marketed, and sold worldwide.
“Jean’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping both IFTA and AFM into the global pillars of our industry they are today,”
Clay Epstein
IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment.
“Her leadership has navigated profound challenges while ensuring that independent film and television companies have a powerful voice and the resources to thrive in a constantly evolving business.”
Under Prewitt’s guidance, IFTA expanded its reach and influence, representing member companies in more than 20 countries. The organization became a key advocate for copyright protections, tax incentives, and equitable licensing practices. These efforts have ensured that independent filmmakers can compete with major studios on a level playing field, particularly in emerging markets.
AFM’s Return to Los Angeles
One of Prewitt’s final acts as CEO will be overseeing AFM’s return to Los Angeles in 2025. AFM has long been a vital marketplace where producers, distributors, and financiers come together to broker deals. The event draws thousands of industry leaders from over 80 countries and generates more than $1 billion in distribution and financing agreements annually.
The relocation of AFM is a symbolic and strategic move, positioning Los Angeles once again as the epicenter of global independent film commerce. It also represents a personal milestone for Prewitt, who was determined to see the market firmly reestablished before handing over the reins.
“It has been a privilege to serve IFTA and the independent sector for the past 25 years,” said Prewitt. “Driving IFTA through recent transitions including AFM’s return to Los Angeles in 2025 and strengthening the independent industry’s capacity to meet change has been immensely rewarding. This feels like the right moment to pass the torch as the Alliance prepares for its next chapter.”
Future of Independent Film
The transition comes at a critical juncture for the independent film industry. Streaming platforms, shifting audience behaviors, and new financing models are creating both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. IFTA has retained the executive search firm McCormack + Kristel to find a successor who can build on Prewitt’s legacy and guide the organization into its next phase.
The next leader will inherit an industry at a crossroads. Independent filmmakers are facing increased competition for attention and resources, but they also have new tools at their disposal, including direct-to-consumer distribution channels and global co-production opportunities. The future of AFM and IFTA will likely hinge on how well the organization adapts to these dynamics while continuing to champion the unique voices and stories that define independent cinema.
For industry insiders, the search for a new CEO will be closely watched. The decision will shape not only the future of IFTA but also the trajectory of independent film worldwide.
Broader Impact on the Global Film Market
Prewitt’s departure will resonate across major film markets such as Sundance, Berlinale, Telluride, and Cannes, where independent filmmakers showcase their work and secure international deals. AFM’s role as a marketplace is crucial to these festivals, serving as the business engine that fuels artistic innovation.
Her advocacy for global collaboration has opened doors for filmmakers in emerging markets, giving them access to distribution networks that were once the exclusive domain of Hollywood studios. This legacy will likely continue to influence industry policies and practices long after her departure.
For more information about IFTA and its ongoing initiatives, visit www.IFTA-online.org.
Legacy of Advocacy and Growth
Jean Prewitt’s decision to step down marks the end of an extraordinary era for independent film. Her leadership not only strengthened IFTA but also amplified the voices of independent creators worldwide. As the organization searches for its next leader, the independent film community will be watching closely to see how IFTA navigates the next wave of industry transformation.
Prewitt’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of advocacy, vision, and dedication in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
