Longtime Mill Valley Film Festival Director of Programming Zoë Elton Moves to Curatorial Role

CAFILM to Launch Search for Artistic Director

The California Film Institute (CAFILM) announced today that Zoë Elton, the longtime Director of Programming for the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), will transition to a new role in 2026. A key architect of MVFF’s curatorial voice and growth for over four decades, Elton will move into a new position that emphasizes a portfolio of key special programs for the festival as the organization concurrently launches a nationwide search for a new Artistic Director with oversight for all CAFILM programs. 

This carefully planned transition is part of CAFILM’s broader strategy to ensure the ongoing vitality and artistic excellence of the Mill Valley Film Festival. In her new role, Elton will continue to contribute to the festival’s programming on a part-time basis while also committing to long-time creative pursuits, including writing.

“Zoë has been a creative force and driving architect behind MVFF’s curatorial identity and its emergence as a globally respected festival,” said CAFILM Executive Director and Founder Mark Fishkin. “Her commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence in film has left a lasting mark not only on MVFF but on the broader cinematic landscape. While we’ll miss her thoughtful leadership, she remains an essential part of the CAFILM family.”

Under Elton’s leadership, MVFF launched several signature programs that have come to define its mission and impact—most notably Mind the Gap, CAFILM’s initiative championing gender equity in film, alongside a long-standing commitment to world cinema and emerging voices. Her curatorial expertise, advocacy for inclusive storytelling, and creative leadership have helped shape CAFILM’s reputation for bold programming that expands cultural understanding and empathy. Elton’s understated onstage presence belies a deep cinematic intuition and sharp grasp of the creative process—qualities that make her post-screening conversations with filmmakers uniquely insightful and engaging.

“It’s been an extraordinary experience to help shape MVFF from its early days into a respected presence in the world of film festivals,” said Zoë Elton. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible filmmakers and creatives and to introduce their work to our community. Championing new voices and engaging with artists at all stages of their careers has been a true gift. I’m excited to continue in a focused curatorial role while making space for my own creative work as a writer and artist.”

To support this next phase, CAFILM will begin a nationwide search for a new Artistic Director in the summer of 2025. The role will be instrumental in guiding the festival’s overall programming—infusing fresh ideas while upholding the legacy and values that have defined MVFF for nearly five decades.