Glasgow Film CEO to retire

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Glasgow Film CEO to retire

Well-known cultural leader Allison Gardner has announced she will retire in October 2025 from her dual role as Chief Executive of Glasgow Film and Director of Glasgow Film Festival, after more than 30 years with the organisation.

Allison has led Glasgow Film as CEO since April 2020. She first joined the organisation in 1993 as a Duty Manager and, in the three decades since, has progressed through the organisation in several roles including Glasgow Film Theatre’s Head of Cinemas, then on to the Programme Director of Glasgow Film Theatre and Glasgow Film Festival, before becoming CEO in 2020.

Glasgow Film is one of the UK’s most successful independent cinemas and a registered educational charity. It operates Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the award-winning Glasgow Film Festival (GFF), which held its 20th edition earlier this year. Glasgow Film is funded by Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council.

Over the last 30 years, Allison has been at the heart of Glasgow Film. Her audience-focused approach to programming, her support for independent filmmakers, and her bold advocacy and leadership have helped to transform GFT into the best-attended independent cinema in Scotland, and made a significant contribution to the Scottish and UK independent film landscape.

Under Allison's co-direction, GFF has grown into one of the UK’s top film festivals, renowned for its friendly ethos and for spotlighting emerging global film talent. She has actively nurtured GFF’s UK and global reputation, developing valuable international networks and increasing the visibility of Scotland’s film sector.

As CEO, she has prioritised investment in youth-led and community outreach programmes, as well as the development of GFF’s Industry Talent initiatives.

During her tenure as CEO, Glasgow Film’s achievements include:

· Securing the financial survival of the charity throughout the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, whilst also safeguarding staff roles;

· GFF being named the UK’s Big Screen Event of the Year at Screen International’s Big Screen Awards in 2022;

· GFT returning to 96% of pre-pandemic admissions and being one of the best attended cinemas of its type in the UK;

· Launching the ‘Cinema City’ Honorary Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to cinema. The inaugural award was presented to Viggo Mortensen in March 2024.

Allison Gardner said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work at Glasgow Film for over 30 years. When I started, Cinema 2 had only recently opened, and I have been fortunate to witness and contribute to ongoing developments including the addition of Cinema 3 and the improvements in access as we continually worked to make this a welcoming space for all. I was lucky enough to be here when Glasgow Film Festival was born in 2005 and even more fortunate to take on the role of co-director in 2007 alongside the wonderful Allan Hunter. Together, we grew the festival into one of the UK's most celebrated cultural events until Allan retired in 2023.

“There have been incredible times and challenging times, but through it all, I have been grateful to work alongside a brilliant and dedicated team. I know we have given 100% to create a vibrant, inclusive, and hugely important cultural institution that enriches the lives of diverse audiences. Glasgow Film and GFT will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching its next phase of growth and evolution."

Yahya Barry, Chair of Glasgow Film, said: “I am filled with immense gratitude and admiration for Allison. From the moment I expressed my intention to serve as Glasgow Film's Chair, she was incredibly encouraging. Her warm welcome into the organisation when I was voted in as Glasgow Film's first Black African Muslim Chair spoke volumes about her character and the ethos of our organisation. Together, we have driven the organisation to new heights, achieving record-breaking admissions and launching influential programmes that underscore our mission.

“I hold profound respect and appreciation for Allison's leadership. Working alongside her has been a true joy, a privilege, and an honour. While it is sad to see her retire after over 30 years of outstanding service, I celebrate her decision with respect and admiration. I look forward to her continued support and love for Glasgow Film as we embrace a new phase of growth, including significant initiatives like our recent expansion of educational programmes and partnerships that have solidified our position as a leader in the cultural sector. We are dedicated to continuing our mission of cinema for all as we move forward.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland, said: “Allison is a true inspiration and a total powerhouse. She is an exceptional leader - team spirited, rational and effective, whilst eschewing formality, cutting through nonsense, and making friends literally on every street corner. Much as she’ll be missed at Glasgow Film, she’s laid such solid foundations, both human and corporate and will be leaving it on a high. Typically, she has planned her exit with a deep sense of loyalty to the organisation to which she’s given so much. This is surely not a goodbye: her many talents, not to say her hilarious and irreverent sense of humour, will no doubt find new means of expression and I very much hope to enjoy her comradeship for years to come.”

Allison Gardner will continue in her role until October 2025, meaning the upcoming edition of Glasgow Film Festival, taking place from 26 February to 9 March, will be her last at the helm. A decision on future staffing of the roles will be taken next year.

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