Wardell and Krovich out, Karsch in at ATL Film 365

The Board of Directors of ATL Film 365, which manages the Atlanta Film Festival, has relieved executive director Gabe Wardell and program director Dan Krovich of their duties. According to chairman of the board Walker Anderson, "Financial motivations went into our parting of the ways with the executive director and the other position as well." Former board member Tom Karsch will serve as interim executive director during the transition.

Wardell and Krovich had been with the organization since 2006. Wardell, who's last day is June 30, said, "This is a board that’s decided to move in a new direction. I want to see the organization succeed long term. I want to see the event thrive. I’m disappointed that I’m not going to be part of the organization’s future."

Updated: A former executive vice president of Turner Classic Movies and Turner South, Karsh anticipates that the search for a new executive director will take three to six months, and that the new person will hire Krovich's replacement as AFF program director. Festival producer Paula Martinez and communications director Charles Judson will remain in place.

Karsh says, "I don't want to change the organization's direction but rather build on the strong work that Gabe and his staff have done over the last four years. Our African-American, gay/lesbian, and southern film makers/southern stories content has been very strong and I'd like to see us get a little more credit for those festival tracks. Beyond that, while I want to stay true to our indie focus, I do hope that we can broaden our offering somewhat and include more films that might be a little more populist, both new and classic, and help us attract new audiences who have never been to the festival."

Excerpts from the board's media statement follow after the jump: