Sarah Thompson – Founder and Executive Director

As the founder of the Hayward Film Festival, Sarah Thompson has played a vital role since the festival was founded. She has extensive experience in the film industry and has worked in a number of film production companies. Her vision has enabled the festival to grow into one of the most influential film events in the region. Sarah is not only focused on the operation and planning of the festival, but also actively promotes the dissemination of local art and culture. She has led the introduction and presentation of several international films, allowing audiences in the region to be exposed to excellent works from all over the world, while promoting film education and talent cultivation through cooperation with local universities and creative industries.

James L. Foster – Programming Director

James L. Foster is a senior film critic and curator who is responsible for the film selection and programming of the Hayward Film Festival. James' professional background covers film history, global film genres, and the discovery of emerging filmmakers. His aesthetic vision and unique insights have kept the quality of the festival's films at the forefront of the industry. James is committed to finding films that reflect social change, cultural collisions, and the depth of human nature, and promoting the festival to become a platform with deep thoughts and innovative spirit. He also personally curated several special units to highlight promising independent films and new directors.

Emily Chen – Director of Community Partnership and Marketing

Emily Chen serves as the Director of Community Partnership and Marketing at the Hayward Film Festival, where she focuses on building close ties with local communities and businesses. Her efforts have made the festival a diverse and inclusive event that attracts a large number of audiences from different backgrounds. Emily promotes the social impact of the festival through collaborations with community organizations, schools, and non-profit organizations, and expands the festival's visibility at home and abroad through innovative marketing strategies. She places special emphasis on creating more showcases for young directors and multicultural films, and helping them gain more exposure and opportunities in the industry.

The contributions of these team members in their respective fields have jointly promoted the Hayward Film Festival's growing position among American film festivals.