RiverRun Names Morin Executive Director

RiverRun International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival in two categories (documentary and animated shorts) and based in Winston-Salem, N.C., has named Michael C. Morin executive director effective December 8. RiverRun’s search committee selected Morin from a national search spearheaded by Arts Consulting Group to succeed Rob Davis, who retired as RiverRun’s executive director at the end of 2024.

Morin is a producer, writer, and festival executive with more than 20 years’ experience at the intersection of film, music, and live events. He is passionate about building spaces where artists and audiences connect, and where film and music remain accessible, collaborative, and transformative.

“We’re thrilled Michael is joining us as executive director,” said Denise Gunter, Chair of RiverRun’s board. “Michael’s film festival experience is deep and varied, and we believe that he is the right person to lead RiverRun forward.

“Michael is building on a strong foundation established by Dale Pollock, who brought RiverRun to Winston-Salem, our previous executive directors, our outstanding staff and volunteers, and our dedicated board,” Gunter added. “I am very grateful to the community for its support and for the work of our search committee, consisting of Dale Pollock as Chair, Wanda Starke, Stephanie Nelson, and Deborah LaVine, Dean of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking.”

For the past seven years, Morin has been a driving force behind the Slamdance Film Festival, producing eight editions and overseeing its landmark relocation from Park City to Los Angeles. Under his leadership, Slamdance achieved record-breaking ticket sales, expanded hybrid programming, and launched new revenue streams, including Slamdance Channel VOD.

Beyond Slamdance, Morin has produced, coordinated, and managed more than 25 productions across film, television, commercials, and music videos. His creative roots also run deep in the music industry, where he booked festivals, ran venues, and tour-managed bands including FIDLAR.

A graduate of the Los Angeles Film School, Morin began his career working with director David O. Russell as his executive and writing assistant, contributing to “The Fighter” (2010) and “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012). As a screenwriter, Morin wrote “This Time Each Year” (2024), Hallmark’s first Christmas movie to center on a character struggling with alcoholism—breaking new ground for the network’s holiday storytelling.

“What draws me most to RiverRun is its deep community involvement and commitment to education. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized inclusive programming, industry engagement, and artist-first principles—strengthening local ties while maintaining a global reach,” Morin said. “My experience managing multi-format festivals, supervising diverse staff and volunteers, and launching long-term sponsor relationships would translate seamlessly into RiverRun’s collaborative ecosystem.

“My belief in the power of film as a catalyst for social understanding and creative innovation guides everything I do,” he said. “Regional festivals like RiverRun are uniquely positioned to inspire dialogue, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the communities they serve. With deep industry experience and a genuine passion for building transformative artistic spaces, I’m committed to working collaboratively across the region to ensure RiverRun grows boldly and vibrantly in the years ahead.”

Only a short time remains until the final submission deadline on December 15 for the 2026 RiverRun International Film Festival! Don’t miss the chance to be part of RiverRun April 17–25, 2026 lineup. Submit film information now at filmfreeway.com/RiverRun.

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