Raindance Film Festival Executive Director David Martinez Steps Down After Over a Decade

Leadership Transition at Iconic Independent Film Festival

David Martinez has stepped down from his position as executive director of Raindance Film Festival after more than a decade with the organization. Martinez originally joined Raindance in 2012 as festival producer and programmer for Latin American territories, rising to the executive director role five years ago. His departure marks the end of an era that saw the festival significantly expand its international footprint and double its audience attendance.

During his tenure, Martinez transformed Raindance into a truly global platform for independent filmmakers. He established new programs and partnerships with filmmakers and industry partners across Mexico, Chile, Catalonia, Cyprus, Germany and beyond, dramatically expanding the festival’s international reach. Under his leadership, audience attendance doubled compared to previous years, demonstrating the growing appeal of the festival’s carefully curated programming.

“I stepped into leadership at Raindance because I believe passionately in the power of independent film to challenge, inspire and connect people. My aim was always to support filmmakers and broaden our international scope. I am incredibly proud of the achievements we made during my time at Raindance, with immense gratitude to the partners who believed in our cause, the entire team at Raindance- and, above all, the filmmakers and audiences who make Raindance what it is now,” Martinez said.

Expansion of Festival Programs and Industry Initiatives

Martinez significantly broadened the festival’s industry and professional development activities during his time as executive director. He launched several key initiatives that expanded Raindance’s influence beyond the traditional festival circuit, creating new opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals alike. These strategic additions helped position Raindance as more than just a screening venue-it became a comprehensive support system for independent cinema.

Among the notable programs Martinez established were the House of Raindance, Raindance XR, the Raindance Script Competition, and the festival’s LGBTQ+ strand. He also launched the Cannes Villa Party, strengthening strategic sponsorships and partnerships while elevating Raindance’s global profile and support for filmmakers. These initiatives demonstrated Martinez’s commitment to creating year-round engagement with the independent film community rather than limiting the festival’s impact to a single annual event.

Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance, praised Martinez’s contributions to the organization’s growth and evolution over the past decade.

“David has been instrumental in Raindance’s evolution over the past decade. His passion for independent cinema, his advocacy for filmmakers and his collaborative leadership have broadened Raindance’s outlook and left the festival in a strong position for the future,” Grove said.

New Venture: Casa Leo PR Agency

Martinez revealed his plans for the future, announcing his continued commitment to supporting independent filmmakers through a new venture. He launched Casa Leo PR, a boutique festival agency, earlier this year alongside former Raindance producer Jacky Orozco. The agency will focus on helping filmmakers navigate the complex film festival circuit and awards season, leveraging Martinez’s extensive expertise in the independent film industry.

“I will carry on championing independent filmmakers through my new agency, Casa Leo PR, sharing the expertise needed to navigate the film festival circuit and awards season, while also continuing my work as an awards consultant at London Flair PR,” Martinez told Variety.

The newly established agency has already begun working on several high-profile campaigns despite its recent launch. Among Casa Leo PR‘s first projects was partnering with Netflix on the London screening of Maite Alberdi‘s “A Child of My Own” and providing support for Humberto Busto on his Venice Biennale College title “Tijuana todavía.” The agency is also representing Mexico‘s Santiago Maza, director of “State of Silence,” and his latest work, the documentary short “Black Shine” (“El brillo negro”).

Legacy of International Growth and Filmmaker Support

Martinez’s impact on Raindance extends far beyond simple attendance numbers or program launches. His leadership fundamentally transformed how the festival engaged with the global independent film community, creating pathways for underrepresented voices and emerging filmmakers to gain international recognition. The strategic partnerships he forged across multiple continents ensured that Raindance maintained its relevance in an increasingly competitive festival landscape.

The expansion of professional development activities under Martinez’s direction addressed a critical gap in the independent film ecosystem. By providing filmmakers with not just screening opportunities but also educational resources, networking platforms, and industry connections, Raindance evolved into a comprehensive support organization. This holistic approach helped countless filmmakers advance their careers and bring their projects to wider audiences.

Martinez’s dual role as both festival executive and now agency principal positions him uniquely to continue supporting independent filmmakers. His more than ten years of festival experience, combined with his deep understanding of international markets and industry dynamics, will serve filmmakers navigating the increasingly complex landscape of festival circuits and awards campaigns. The transition from festival leadership to agency work represents a natural evolution rather than a departure from his core mission of championing independent cinema.

Future Outlook for Raindance and Independent Cinema

The festival remains in a strong position following Martinez’s departure, according to founder Grove’s assessment. The infrastructure, partnerships, and programs Martinez established during his tenure provide a solid foundation for future growth and continued support of independent filmmakers worldwide. The organization’s expanded international reach and diverse programming initiatives ensure that Raindance will continue serving as a vital platform for emerging voices in cinema.

As Martinez embarks on his new chapter with Casa Leo PR, his ongoing commitment to independent filmmakers demonstrates that his departure from Raindance represents a shift in role rather than a withdrawal from the community he helped build. His work through the boutique agency and his continued role as awards consultant at London Flair PR will allow him to support filmmakers on a more personalized basis, applying the lessons and connections developed during his transformative decade at Raindance.