Tribeca Film Fest Programmer Steps Down

The Tribeca Film Festival has been a key aspect of New York culture for a decade. This week David Kwok, the Festival's program director, announced that he would be stepping down.

Kwok notified friends and colleagues by email, "As many of you know, I have stepped down as Director of Programming of Tribeca after almost ten fantastic years," he wrote, " It has been a pleasure working with you over the years."

Kwok has been a part of the Festival since its beginning. He helped get it off the ground int he wake of 9/11 in an attempt to boost spirits in Lower Manhattan when he was brought in to program the first event in 2002.

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded by Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff and has been responsible for the screenings of thousands of films. Kwok viewed the Festival as both an opportunity for filmmakers and New Yorkers alike to benefit, ""For me, that's what makes putting together the program together exciting-the chance to view all these films from around the world-and bring them together in one place. Now, more than ever, we can say that our film program really has something for everyone."

While Kwok is leaving his position as program director, he will consult for the organization. One thing is for certain though, his replacement will have large shoes to fill.