IFC Films president Ariana Poco is coming out to the distributor, Deadline confirmed.
The shocking news to the NYC indie world comes within days after an IFC vet of 17 years was honored at New York’s flagship Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) fundraiser, the annual Muse Awards.
Scott Schumann, IFC’s head of acquisitions, will replace Bocco in the meantime. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group and CBS Films vet joined forces last year. The search for a new long-term alternative is underway. Talk about a revolving door at IFC.
We’re still sorting out what happened here. Meanwhile, Boko posted the following statement on social media, “I have BIG news to share! After much thought, I have resigned from my position as President of IFC Films to pursue other opportunities. I am very proud of the IFC Films team that I have worked with over the past 17 years.” For what we’ve accomplished and for their hard work, compassion and dedication over many amazing years to do what we all love – amazing support great artists and movies. I know the team is in good hands with Scott who will continue to do the job we’ve all spent our careers promoting. I’m excited for what’s to come after that “
Bocco was named president of IFC Films in December 2020 after being the only distributor to bravely deliver those few theaters during Covid, producing during the big circuits shutdown. This included directing Dave Franco, hire. At the time of her appointment, Boko replaced IFC Films Co-Chair Lisa Schwartz.
AMC Networks just had to say, “IFC Films is a vital and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across the IFC Films, Shudder and RLJE Films systems.”
About Bocco’s surprise movie, the company added, “We have full and complete confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as interim president, and we know our film team won’t miss a beat as it progresses through a strong list of releases and acquisitions.” Drop-out.
Since joining IFC Films in 2006, Bocco has led all feature shoots at the company. Under her direction, the company has acquired, produced and distributed hundreds of films including Richard Linklater’s boyhood, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture (Drama) and was nominated for the Academy Awards six times including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress winner; Palme d’Or winner Christian Mongiu 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days; Armando Iannucci’s political satire Stalin’s death And an Oscar nominee in the loop; Abbas Kiarostami A certified copy; Werner Herzog The Cave of Forgotten Dreams; The David France documentary was nominated for an Academy Award How to survive the plague; Michael Winterbottom the journey series; Jennifer Kent The Babadook And the second feature nightingale; Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have been nominated for an Academy Award Two days, one night; Olivier Assayas personal shopper; Sils Maria clouds; non-fiction; Hirokazu Kure Ida the truth; So is Christian Petzold Phoenix And it’s coming Undine.
Notable recent and upcoming releases include 2022 Academy Award Shortlisted, Gotham Award Nominated, and Independent Spirit. corsage From director Marie Kreutzer. 2022 Oscar shortlist Bad axe From Critics’ Choice Award-winning director David Seif for Best Documentary First Feature; and winner of the Golden Lion Award at the 2021 Venice Film Festival It is happening By Audrey Diwan; And also the upcoming comedy paint Written and directed by Brett McAdams, starring Owen Wilson.
Prior to IFC, Bocco worked in independent film packaging at Gersh NYC, as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions at Miramax, and prior to that as Vice President of Acquisitions at New Line and Fine Line. . While at Miramax, she co-starred in notable films such as Zach Braff garden condition and Tom McCarthy station agent.
Variety first had the news about Bocco.
“Internet geek. Friendly coffee trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble musicaholic. Twitter fan. Devoted alcohol aficionado. Avid thinker.”