RiverRun Names Michael Morin Executive Director, Plans Regional Growth

RiverRun International Film Festival named Michael Morin its executive director on December 12, 2025. Morin is a writer and producer with festival programming and management experience, most recently in leadership at the Slamdance Film Festival where he worked on attendance growth and a major venue move. He succeeds Rob Davis, who retired at the end of 2024 after eight years leading RiverRun.

Festival board members highlighted Morin's background with independent film festivals and growth initiatives as central to the decision. Morin has expressed a commitment to cross regional collaboration and to ensuring RiverRun's continued growth and vibrancy. RiverRun is a regional festival that draws filmmakers and audiences from across the mid Atlantic and Southeast, and the new leadership is expected to drive expanded partnerships and programming in the coming years.

For Buncombe County the appointment matters on several fronts. RiverRun contributes to Asheville and the surrounding economy by attracting visitors, creating seasonal work for venues and vendors, and fueling demand for hotels, restaurants and local transportation. A director with experience in growing attendance and managing venue changes can affect booking decisions, off season events and ongoing relationships with arts partners, which in turn can increase economic activity tied to cultural tourism.

The hire also reflects broader trends in the independent film festival sector where organizers are prioritizing regional networks and year round engagement to stabilize revenue and audience growth. Festivals that expand partnerships with other cultural institutions and civic leaders tend to diversify programming and offer more opportunities for local filmmakers, educators and small businesses. For RiverRun that could mean more curated programs, satellite events across the county and deeper collaboration with mid Atlantic and Southeast film communities.

Looking ahead RiverRun faces practical choices about scheduling, venue capacity and sponsorship strategy. Festival officials say Morin will focus on building partnerships and programming that sustain the festival into the next decade. Local arts organizations, hospitality providers and municipal planners will be watching how those priorities translate into calendar changes, audience development and measurable economic impacts for Buncombe County.