Former Film4 chairman Daniel Battsek has been named as the new president of Film at Lincoln Center.
Battsek, who begins his new role on May 1, will guide the strategic direction of the organization behind the New York Film Festival.
He assumes the leadership role of the nonprofit group dedicated to the art of cinema after former president Lesli Klainberg stepped down following the 2024 New York Film Festival.
Battsek was director and then chairman of Film4 from 2016-2024 overseeing the production of critically-acclaimed, award-winning films such as The Zone of Interest, Poor Things, All of Us Strangers, The Banshees of Inisherin and The Favourite. He stepped down from his role leading Film4 in 2024.
Since 2018, Battsek also served as chairman of Film London. Prior executive roles during his more than three decades of leadership experience include tenures as president of National Geographic Films, president of filmed entertainment at Miramax and a long run as executive vp and managing director of U.K. distribution and European production and acquisitions at Buena Vista International, U.K., overseeing the distribution of 18-25 films annually from Walt Disney Studios and its partners, including Pixar and Miramax.
“I am very honored to be selected to lead Film at Lincoln Center, a globally recognized cornerstone of film culture,” Battsek said in a statement. “My goal is to bring the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career in the film industry to support and elevate FLC’s programming, mission and brand. Having long admired FLC as a vital New York cultural institution, I am immensely proud to take the helm at such an exciting moment for cinema.”
Film at Lincoln Center board of directors chair Daniel H. Stern added, “Daniel Battsek’s extensive leadership experience, his deep connections within the global film community and his clear passion for cinema and our mission make him the ideal fit to lead Film at Lincoln Center — especially in this time of great change in the film ecosystem. After a comprehensive international search conducted by a seven-person board committee with recruiting firm Stanton Chase, Daniel distinguished himself among a highly qualified pool of candidates, emerging as the clear and unanimous choice for this position. After two years of record-breaking attendance at the New York Film Festival, widespread acclaim for its year-round initiatives and a new multiyear partnership with Rolex — a long-standing supporter of excellence in the cinematic arts — FLC has the potential to expand its reach, programming and brand in a rapidly evolving film landscape, both domestically and internationally. We are excited to welcome Daniel and eager to support his leadership in charting a bold future for Film at Lincoln Center.”
