DURHAM -- Deirdre Haj has been named the new Executive Director of Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. Haj will become the third full-time director of the annual documentary event.
Haj has a long career in film and communications, including her work as a documentary producer and consultant on a variety of film projects. Haj was the producer of the award-winning documentary "Scene Smoking," which aired on Discovery Health Network. That film is credited with urging film ratings to include information about scenes featuring smoking and tobacco.
She was also producer of "Brushes with Life," a documentary exploring art and mental illness. Prior to her career in film production she was a theater and film actor.
She is the founder of Ruffin Media, a Carrboro-based communications and public relations firm.
"I am delighted to welcome Deirdre Haj to Full Frame as our new Director," said Dan Berman, chair of the festival's Board. "Her experience, management expertise and passion for documentary film and filmmakers make her ideally suited for the job."
Haj replaces Tom Rankin, who had served as interim executive director after Peg Palmer stepped down as director last year. Palmer was named director after festival founder and director Nancy Buirski stepped down in 2007 from day-to-day activities with the festival.
"I am thrilled to join the Full Frame team," Haj said. "I'm eager to continue the tradition set forth by the Festival since its inception, protecting and honoring the history of the documentary form while nurturing future growth and evolution."
"Deirdre brings unique skills, experience, and perspective to Full Frame," said Tom Rankin, Director of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, a Full Frame Board member, and chair of the search committee. "Her rich and diverse background makes her the perfect choice to build on Full Frame's success."
The 2010 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will be held April 8-11 at various venues in downtown Durham. Festival passes are available at www.fullframefest.org.
