A significant shift is coming to the Mill Valley Film Festival. Longtime programming director Zoë Elton announced she’ll step down from her full-time role after more than three decades of leadership.
This respected Marin County cultural figure will move to a part-time curatorial position after the 48th festival in October 2025. She wants to explore other creative interests but still stay connected to the cinematic event that means so much to Marin’s cultural scene.
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A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence in Marin County
The announcement came on June 9, 2025. It really does feel like the end of an era for a festival that’s brought international cinema to Mill Valley for almost fifty years.
Elton shaped the festival’s artistic direction since the early 1990s. Now she’ll turn her focus more toward personal creative pursuits—writing, cartooning, and who knows what else—while keeping a foot in the organization that’s been such a big part of her professional life.
From England to Mill Valley: Elton’s Journey
Elton was born in England and made her way to the United States in the 1970s. She eventually settled in Marin County and became a key figure in the local arts community.
Her passion for world cinema and new voices helped build the Mill Valley Film Festival’s national reputation. Every year, filmmakers and movie lovers flock to Southern Marin because of what she’s created.
The festival screens films at venues throughout Marin, including San Rafael, Larkspur, and Tiburon. Under Elton’s guidance, it’s grown into a cultural highlight that people from Novato to Sausalito look forward to every fall.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
One of Elton’s most important contributions is the Mind the Gap initiative. She led the charge for gender equity in film, long before it became a mainstream conversation.
This groundbreaking program shines a light on female filmmakers and their stories. It’s helped address deep-rooted inequalities in the industry.
A Transition, Not a Goodbye
California Film Institute founder and Executive Director Mark Fishkin said this transition was “100%” Elton’s decision. He’s grateful she’ll stay involved with the organization.
The institute will launch a nationwide search this summer for a new artistic director. That’s the new title for Elton’s former position.
For people in Corte Madera, Fairfax, and other Marin communities, Elton’s festival introductions and filmmaker interviews have become something to look forward to. The good news? Her unique voice and vision will stick around on the local scene.
Reflections on a Remarkable Career
When someone asked what she’ll miss most about the full-time programmer role, Elton didn’t hesitate. She said she’ll miss “being in control” and those “rock star moments” that come with leading such a big event.
That honest answer fits the straightforward style she’s always brought to her work. The festival’s screened films everywhere from the Sequoia Theater in downtown Mill Valley to the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, and Elton’s been at the heart of it all.
Words of Wisdom for the Future
When asked for advice to her successor, Elton didn’t overcomplicate things. She offered some simple, heartfelt guidance:
Honestly, that kind of mindful approach has gotten Elton through the maze of film programming and festival management. It’s no small feat to keep the Mill Valley Film Festival feeling authentic and excellent year after year.
For film lovers all over Marin County—from Stinson Beach out west to Belvedere on the bay—Elton’s transition feels like the end of a pretty significant chapter. That said, she’s not disappearing; her ongoing involvement means her influence will linger in the festival’s spirit as fresh artistic leadership steps in.
Here is the source article for this story: Exclusive: Mill Valley Film Festival undergoing change at the top
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