Every major film festival eventually faces the challenges associated with leadership change. In some cases that transition can be handled sloppily or unethically, compromising the event’s vision while permanently damaging staff morale and community support.  There are no such concerns regarding Diana Agostini’s recent appointment as the new executive director of San Diego Italian Film Festival.

“I joined the organization as a volunteer back in 2014,” Agostini fondly remembers. “It’s such a great honor to take on the role of the executive director following the lead of our founder Victor Laruccia, who has been a mentor and source of inspiration to me since the beginning of my journey with the organization.”