NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff Exits After Seven Years, Search Underway for Replacement (EXCLUSIVE)
David Hatkoff is stepping down as the executive director of NewFest after seven years. Lesli Klainberg has been appointed as the interim director while a search for a permanent replacement is underway. Hatkoff's tenure saw significant growth in the festival, making it the largest queer film festival in the U.S.
- ▪David Hatkoff will depart from NewFest on June 30 following this year's NewFest Pride event.
- ▪Under Hatkoff's leadership, NewFest's budget increased from $500,000 to nearly $2.5 million.
- ▪Lesli Klainberg, a former executive director of NewFest, has been appointed as the interim director.
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Home Film Columns May 20, 2026 9:00am PT NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff Exits After Seven Years, Search Underway for Replacement (EXCLUSIVE) By Marc Malkin Plus Icon Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events marcmalkin Latest LACMA Launches New Billboard Campaign Timed to Opening of David Geffen Galleries (EXCLUSIVE) 10 minutes ago ‘Masters of the Universe’ Star Nicholas Galitzine on Eating Whatever He Wanted to Lose His He-Man Body and Having a ‘Great Time’ Making ‘Red, White & Royal Wedding’ 18 hours ago Marcia Gay Harden to Mothers Who Don’t Accept Their LGBTQ Children: ‘You’re Making a Great Big Mistake’ 1 day ago See All Getty Images for GLAAD NewFest executive director David Hatkoff is stepping down after seven years with the New York City LGBTQ film festival.
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