When Julie Kennedy started the 5 Point Film festival almost a decade ago, she created something that she loved and cared for. It was her baby. But the event tonight in Aspen will be her last. She’s handing the reigns to Sarah Wood, the festival’s executive director.
“This is her voice now," says Kennedy of Wood. "This is her manifestation of what 5 Point will be. It’s her generation. That’s what I believe is so important in life today is that we as the mentors allow the our mentorees to grab that torch and run like hell with it.”
When Kennedy and Wood first met, it was apparent who that torch would be passed on to.
“When you have that kind of passion - when I can see someone who has that kind of heart and soul," says Kennedy. "Passion and dedication for what they’re doing. She’s gonna take it that extra twenty percent to make it the magic that it has. I wouldn’t walk away if I didn’t feel that she had that.”
Kennedy invited Wood over to sit on the patio and have a glass of wine. They talked about life and work and what they could do together at 5 Point. The rest was history.
Kennedy says that she’ll be in the audience at tonight’s show. She won’t be worried about following in anyone’s footsteps. Kennedy has full confidence in Wood’s ability to put on a great show.
Wood doesn’t feel any additional pressure now that the ship is 100 percent hers. In fact, the stress she is feeling doesn’t feel new at all.
“I have always felt that pressure since day one," she says."
Wood says that new leadership in an organization like hers is a healthy thing. It allows for new ideas and new things to be achieved.
“For a creative organization," Wood says, "it is important. It’s going to be my turn to do that a few years down the road as well.”
Wood will host her first 5 Point Event as the true leader of the festival tonight in Aspen. The main festival is in April.
