JAIE LAPLANTE NAMED AS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, named Jaie Laplante as the festival’s new Artistic Director and revealed the wider programming team for features and shorts. The festival will hold its 13th edition November 9-17, 2022 in person in New York and online across the U.S.

Laplante comes to DOC NYC with more than 20 years of festival experience. For the past 12 years, he served as the Miami Film Festival’s Executive Director and Co-Director of Programming, where his achievements included greatly expanding that festival’s documentary selections, as well as launching successful initiatives such as a digital screening platform, the GEMS festival, and the Google Talks on Gender & Racial Gaps in Film & Technology. He simultaneously oversaw year-round programming at the historic Tower Theater in Miami’s Little Havana. He previously served as Associate Director of the New York City Wine & Food Festival and as a programmer at festivals focused on shorts and LGBTQ+ films. He has served on numerous film festival juries, including the U.S. Competition jury at last year’s DOC NYC. Laplante is relocating to New York to start his job on June 6.

“We are living in a dynamic era of documentary storytelling, and I am thrilled to expand upon my personal passion for the form in my new role with DOC NYC,” said Laplante. “I have been an avid follower of DOC NYC since its inception and look forward to working with our incredible team to expand the festival’s vital work.”

Laplante was selected after an extensive job search that considered over 100 applicants. He will replace Thom Powers, the festival’s founding Artistic Director, who moves into a previously announced new role as Director of Special Projects.

“Jaie has an incredible track record at leading a team, building new programs, and expanding audiences for film,” said DOC NYC Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen. “He has a stellar reputation among his co-workers and brings a wonderful spirit of collaboration.”

DOC NYC also announced its larger programming team for the 2022 festival, with eight out of nine members returning from last year. More information on the programming and festival team is available on our Meet the Team page.