A Major Shift in Independent Film Leadership: Future Film Coalition Welcomes Jax Deluca as Interim Executive Director
The Future Film Coalition (FFC) has just made a significant move by naming Jax Deluca as its new Interim Executive Director. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the organization, as Deluca steps in to guide the FFC through the important launch of its national membership base, expand its network and strategic initiatives, and champion the acquisition of necessary resources along with critical public policy protections.
But here’s where it gets controversial—will Deluca’s leadership spark the kind of unified force the indie film community desperately needs, or will the challenges of balancing diverse interests prove more difficult than expected?
Deluca brings to the table a wealth of experience, especially from her impactful years at the National Endowment for the Arts, where she managed over $50 million in public funding aimed at enriching the arts through federal grant programs. She also played a leading role in national projects, including the Independent Film & Media Arts Group. Her background is further enriched by her previous role as executive director of the Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Arts Center and her current position as a Documentary Film in the Public Interest Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, specializing in media, politics, and public policy.
"Independent film is more than an art form; it’s a vital economic ecosystem," Deluca expressed, emphasizing how this sector supports livelihoods across the country—from artists and small businesses to a wide array of skilled industry workers. "With the Future Film Coalition, we are cultivating a much-needed movement that brings together the diverse voices of the U.S. indie film community to confront market imbalances, inform policymakers, and advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship while serving the public interest. It’s a tremendous honor to lead this coalition at such an essential crossroads."
The FFC itself was established earlier this year with the clear mission to unite independent film professionals and organizations. Their goal? To boost the industry’s visibility and secure both financial backing and protective public policies that can help sustain and grow this creative sector.
Jon Reiss, Chairman of the FFC Board of Directors, voiced strong confidence in Deluca’s appointment, stating, "We’re excited to have Jax at the helm of this vibrant coalition. Her leadership is shaped by rigorous field research combined with real-world experience, directly addressing the challenges faced by independent film practitioners. Her unique skill in merging data-driven insights, policy acumen, and creative foresight makes her the perfect fit to steer the FFC during this formative phase."
And this is the part most people miss—while Deluca’s expertise is impeccable, the success of this coalition depends on whether the indie film sector can truly come together to back collective action over individual interests. Is this unified front achievable, or will differing priorities fracture the movement before it gains momentum?
What do you think? Can Jax Deluca and the Future Film Coalition reshape the indie film world for the better? Or is the task too big for any one leader or group? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
