NK Gutiérrez Named Executive Director of The Midwest Film Festival

The Midwest Film Festival (MFF) proudly announces the appointment of NK Gutiérrez as its new Executive Director, succeeding Erica Duffy effective December 2024. Gutiérrez, who has served as the festival’s Operations Director since November 2023, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the organization.

During her tenure as Operations Director, Gutiérrez has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the Midwest film community. Her strategic approach to festival operations, unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, and dedication to supporting regional filmmakers has earned her widespread respect among industry professionals and community members alike. She has been particularly instrumental in expanding the festival’s outreach to underrepresented voices and creating more inclusive programming opportunities.

“Working alongside NK this past year has been an incredible journey of mentorship, collaboration, and shared vision,” says outgoing Executive Director Erica Duffy. “Together, we’ve carefully crafted the future direction of the festival, and I’ve witnessed firsthand NK’s extraordinary ability to lead with both heart and strategic insight. When I took on the challenge of rebuilding MFF from the ground up in 2019, I made a commitment to ensure its long-term sustainability. Today, I can say with complete confidence and immense pride that the festival is not only stable but thriving, and there is no one better suited than NK to lead it into its next chapter. Her deep understanding of our mission, combined with her innovative vision and genuine commitment to our community, makes this transition not just a change in leadership, but a powerful evolution for MFF.”

Here are some photo highlights from the Midwest Film Festival and Gutiérrez’s leadership over the past year…

Under Gutiérrez’s leadership, MFF will implement several innovative changes in 2025, including a streamlined submission process concentrated within a three-month window (November 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025) via FilmFreeway to enhance programming strategy and efficiency. The festival is expanding its reach through roadshow screenings across the Midwest region and establishing a new presence at The Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center. In partnership with The Chicago Film Office, select screenings will be offered free of charge to increase accessibility for our community.

The festival will also present an exciting lineup of themed events, including:

● Invisible Ties: Celebrating the Profound Bonds That Shape Us

● Reimagined Midwest: A New Lens on the Heartland

● Adcomm Night: Showcasing the Brilliance of the Advertising Industry (Midwest Film Festival’s 10th annual Advertising Community Night!)

● Global Kaleidoscope Night: Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Film

● Emerging Filmmakers Night: 10 Films from the Rising Stars of Midwest Filmmaking

● Feature Films: All genres

“As we embark on the 20th anniversary of Midwest Film Festival I am honored to build upon the incredible foundation Erica Duffy has established,” says Gutiérrez. “This Festival is more than just a showcase for films – it’s a vital platform for connecting, empowering, and celebrating our region’s diverse storytellers. I look forward to expanding our impact by continually evolving into a festival that serves as an open invitation for all storytellers and to create community space that caters to the Whole Creative; Body, Mind and Soul.”

Gutiérrez’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the festival, as it continues to grow its influence in the film industry while maintaining its commitment to supporting and showcasing Midwest talent.

“NK’s deep understanding of our artistic mission from working alongside Erica Duffy and her vision for expanding the breadth and depth of our reach make her the perfect choice to lead MFF into its next chapter,”says Tony Scott-Green, Board President of the Midwest Film Festival. “Her vision for festival expansion and proven track record of innovation align perfectly with our long-term goals and commitment to deepening our core values of community and inclusivity. We are confident that under NK’s leadership, the festival will continue to grow its impact and significance in the Midwest film community.”

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