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Whistler Film Festival hires new director of programming Festival

Paul Gratton takes over for 2012 festival
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Toronto-based film industry consultant Paul Gratton is the new director of programing for the Whistler Film Festival.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Gratton will be responsible for the planning and execution of all film and industry programming at the 2012 Whistler Film Festival and Summit, including the recently launched China Canada Gateway for Film script competition.

"This is an exciting opportunity to bring my years of experience to a festival context," Gratton says.

"I feel that it (this festival) is on the cusp of becoming a major fall festival for both the industry an the public at large."

Gratton is the former vice president of entertainment specialty channels for CHUM, where he oversaw the development of Bravo!, Space and Drive-in Classics. He has also served as vice president of programming for both Super Channel and First Choice, during Canadian pay televisions first decade on air.

WFF executive director Shauna Hardy Mishaw says Gratton will refine existing programs while creating new directions for the festival.

"Paul will be the creative lens of our festival and our ambassador both in Canada and abroad," she says Hardy Mishaw.

Gratton is replacing for director of programming Stacey Donen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Donen left to focus on his duties as director of programming at The Royal indie cinema and post-production facility in Toronto.

The 12th annual WFF will run in various venues throughout Whistler from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2.