Boldly stepping into a pivotal moment for the independent film community, the Future Film Coalition (FFC) has just named Jax Deluca as its Interim Executive Director. This move signals a determined push to transform the indie film landscape, making it more united and resilient. But here’s where it gets controversial: how will Deluca’s leadership truly reshape an industry often fragmented by financial and policy challenges? Let’s dive deeper.
Jax Deluca’s new role is central to propelling FFC’s ambition of launching its national membership, crafting strategies to strengthen its network, and ensuring the coalition secures vital resources and public policy protections. Her background is impressive and highly relevant—during her time at the National Endowment for the Arts, she managed over $50 million in federal funding dedicated to arts grant programs. Deluca also championed influential initiatives like the Independent Film & Media Arts Group. Prior to this, she led the Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Arts Center as executive director and is currently a Documentary Film in the Public Interest Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, focusing on the crossroads of media, politics, and public policy.
Deluca passionately states, "Independent film sustains livelihoods nationwide, encompassing a wide range of artists, small businesses, and skilled industry workers. With the Future Film Coalition, we’re igniting a much-needed movement that calls on the U.S. indie film sector to band together to confront market inequalities, educate policymakers, and advocate for policies that encourage entrepreneurship while serving the public interest. It is a profound honor to lead this coalition at such a critical juncture."
Founded this year, the FFC’s core mission is to bring together independent film professionals and organizations to fight for greater visibility, enhanced resources, and robust public policy support. This coalition aims to address the unique challenges faced by the indie film industry, which often struggles for recognition and equitable treatment in a market dominated by larger players.
Jon Reiss, chair of the FFC Board of Directors, expressed excitement about Deluca’s appointment, highlighting her deep understanding of the field through extensive research and practical experience with independent film sector realities. He remarked, "Jax’s leadership merges insightful data, policy expertise, and visionary creativity, making her the perfect figure to steer FFC during these foundational stages."
But this raises a question worth debating: will Deluca’s approach effectively balance the competing interests within the independent film community? And what does this mean for market power dynamics—will the coalition be able to genuinely level the playing field? These are critical points that deserve open discussion.
What do readers think? Can a coalition like the FFC, under Deluca’s guidance, become the game-changer for independent filmmakers and related professionals? Or might entrenched market forces prove too strong to overcome? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
