The Kamloops Film Society has hired Colette Abbott as its new Executive Director after a three-month recruitment and selection process.

Abbott, who most recently worked for the Thompson Nicola Film Commission, takes over from Dušan Magdolen, who has joined the City of Kamloops as the Cultural Services and Events Manager.

The Film Society says Abbott – who has an extensive background in the film industry in marketing, as a publicist, and in media relations – will take over the helm of the Society and its operations of the Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops this week.

“[Collette] will be a key player in carrying out the Society’s mission of screening high quality films that might not otherwise be available to Kamloops audiences and promoting the Paramount Theatre as a venue for live theatre, music, lectures and conferences,” Tom Friedman, the Chair of the KFS Board of Directors said.

“As we enter our second half-century in this community, the KFS board is excited to work with Colette on fulfilling our strategic initiatives.”

Originally from Vancouver, Abbott says she looks forward to drawing on the Kamloops Film Society’s 50-year legacy of collaboration and community by bringing together groups from the local arts, culture and business, and other sectors.