GroundSwell Pictures embarks on a leadership transition as founders Jan Johnson and Pat Wright pass the torch to new leaders, ensuring the continued success and growth of the Indigo Moon Film Festival.
A Legacy of Inspiration: Jan Johnson and Pat Wright
Jan Johnson and Pat Wright, co-founders of GroundSwell Pictures, have been pivotal figures in the organization’s journey. Their dedication to using film as a medium to educate, inspire, and entertain has left an indelible mark on the community. Over the years, they have tirelessly worked to establish the Indigo Moon Film Festival as a cherished cultural event, celebrating diverse voices in filmmaking and fostering a strong sense of community.
Their contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting their commitment and passion. Among these accolades is the establishment of the Film Inspires Change Award in Johnson’s honor, a testament to their enduring impact. While they are stepping aside from their leadership roles, Johnson and Wright will remain active supporters of GroundSwell Pictures, continuing to champion its mission and values.
Welcoming New Leadership: Brandon Plotnick and Erika Forbes
On Jan. 1, Brandon Plotnick and Erika Forbes assumed leadership of GroundSwell Pictures. Both bring a wealth of experience, energy, and a shared passion for the arts that align perfectly with the mission of the Indigo Moon Film Festival. Their dedication to the arts and their vision for the future promise to build on the strong foundation laid by Johnson and Wright.
Plotnick expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, “It’s an honor to be taking on this role after Jan and Pat did so much to make this festival matter in our arts community.”
Forbes echoed this sentiment, saying, “Jan and Pat have left big shoes to fill, but I’m so excited we get to continue bringing their vision to this community.”
Ensuring a Seamless Transition for Future Success
The transition of leadership at GroundSwell Pictures will be carefully managed to ensure continuity and a seamless handover. The board of directors, staff, and volunteers are all committed to supporting Plotnick and Forbes as they step into their new roles, ensuring that the organization’s mission and values remain at the forefront.
This thoughtful approach to the transition underscores the organization’s commitment to its community and stakeholders, ensuring that the Indigo Moon Film Festival continues to thrive and grow under the new leadership.
The Continued Mission of the Indigo Moon Film Festival
The Indigo Moon Film Festival has become a highlight of the cultural calendar, celebrating diverse voices in filmmaking and fostering a strong sense of community. Under the new leadership of Plotnick and Forbes, the festival will continue to uphold its mission of using the power of film to educate, inspire, and entertain.
The festival’s potential to inspire change and bring the community together remains a cornerstone of GroundSwell Pictures’ vision. With fresh perspectives and new ideas, the festival is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation.
Submissions for the 2025 film festival opened November 1, 2024. The early bird deadline to submit films is April 1 and the regular deadline is May 1. For more information on deadlines and how to submit a piece, visit the Indigo Moon Film Festival website at https://filmfreeway.com/IndigoMoonFilmFestival.
Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future
As GroundSwell Pictures embarks on this new chapter, it is a time to celebrate the incredible legacy of Jan Johnson and Pat Wright. Their vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for the future, and their impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
At the same time, the organization looks forward to embracing the future with Plotnick and Forbes at the helm. Their leadership promises to bring new energy and ideas, ensuring that GroundSwell Pictures and the Indigo Moon Film Festival continue to be vital parts of the local and global film community.