Allison Gardner, the Chief Executive of Glasgow Film and Director of Glasgow Film Festival is to retire.
A well known figure in the sector, she steps down from the organisation after more than 30 years.
She started out at Glasgow Film in 1993 as Duty Manager and became CEO in 2020.
Under her direction, she has helped grow Glasgow Film Festival into one of the UK’s top film festivals and increased the visibility of the Scottish film sector.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work at Glasgow Film for over 30 years. When I started, Cinema 2 had only recently opened, and I have been fortunate to witness and contribute to ongoing developments including the addition of Cinema 3 and the improvements in access as we continually worked to make this a welcoming space for all. I was lucky enough to be here when Glasgow Film Festival was born in 2005 and even more fortunate to take on the role of co-director in 2007 alongside the wonderful Allan Hunter. Together, we grew the festival into one of the UK’s most celebrated cultural events until Allan retired in 2023,” she said.
“There have been incredible times and challenging times, but through it all, I have been grateful to work alongside a brilliant and dedicated team. I know we have given 100% to create a vibrant, inclusive, and hugely important cultural institution that enriches the lives of diverse audiences. Glasgow Film and GFT will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching its next phase of growth and evolution.”
Glasgow Film is one of the UK’s most successful independent cinemas and a registered educational charity.
It operates Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the award-winning Glasgow Film Festival (GFF), which held its 20th edition earlier this year.
Glasgow Film is funded by Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council.
“I am filled with immense gratitude and admiration for Allison. From the moment I expressed my intention to serve as Glasgow Film’s Chair, she was incredibly encouraging. Her warm welcome into the organisation when I was voted in as Glasgow Film’s first Black African Muslim Chair spoke volumes about her character and the ethos of our organisation. Together, we have driven the organisation to new heights, achieving record-breaking admissions and launching influential programmes that underscore our mission,” added Yahya Barry, Chair of Glasgow Film.
“I hold profound respect and appreciation for Allison’s leadership. Working alongside her has been a true joy, a privilege, and an honour. While it is sad to see her retire after over 30 years of outstanding service, I celebrate her decision with respect and admiration. I look forward to her continued support and love for Glasgow Film as we embrace a new phase of growth, including significant initiatives like our recent expansion of educational programmes and partnerships that have solidified our position as a leader in the cultural sector. We are dedicated to continuing our mission of cinema for all as we move forward.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland, said:
“Allison is a true inspiration and a total powerhouse. She is an exceptional leader – team spirited, rational and effective, whilst eschewing formality, cutting through nonsense, and making friends literally on every street corner. Much as she’ll be missed at Glasgow Film, she’s laid such solid foundations, both human and corporate and will be leaving it on a high. Typically, she has planned her exit with a deep sense of loyalty to the organisation to which she’s given so much. This is surely not a goodbye: her many talents, not to say her hilarious and irreverent sense of humour, will no doubt find new means of expression and I very much hope to enjoy her comradeship for years to come.”
She’ll continue in the role until October next year.
