On Eugene Hernandez

by thelostboy
September 24, 2010 6:44 AM
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So today the indie film world got a bit of a shock. Eugene Hernandez announced he would be stepping down from his role at indieWIRE for a deserved new gig at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. I sincerely and warmly send my congrats, but it's definitely bittersweet.

For over four years, Eugene been an incomparable colleague, mentor and friend. Folks as passionate, kind-hearted and authentic as Mr. Hernandez do not come along very often, and I have been remarkably lucky to have had him play a role in the first few years of my work in this industry. And indieWIRE as an institution has been even more lucky to have him guide it through 13 years of successful evolution.

On a larger scale, it goes without saying that Eugene is an icon in the indie film industry, and an important figure in its recent past. On a personal one - without waxing too sentimental - I do need to take this as an opportunity to thank him. His guidance and belief in my work has allowed for a remarkable series opportunities and adventures that I never expected for myself. And while I am excited for indieWIRE's future and my role in it, it will always be quite clear that it simply wouldn't be had it not been for Eugene. So good luck, my friend, and while it's true that this is not goodbye, it is indeed the end of an era.