---

Following the 45th annual Filmfest, Aspen Film announced that Katherine Chapin has joined as the new board chair, effective Sept. 1.

Chapin, a seasoned corporate leader turned entrepreneur, brings a passion for the arts and a deep connection to the Aspen community, aligning perfectly with Aspen Film’s mission of “Independent by Nature.”

“Our 45th-anniversary festival was a remarkable success. We are grateful for the overwhelming love and support from our community, with packed houses and numerous sold-out screenings,” said Susan Wrubel, Aspen Film’s executive and artistic director, in a prepared statement. “Having the ability to introduce our new board chair, Katherine Chapin, during this festival and anniversary year was also quite special. Audiences had the chance to witness her dynamism and leadership firsthand. We couldn’t be more excited for Aspen Film’s next chapter.”

The 2024 Filmfest, which ran from Sept. 17-22, was a standout event, featuring several sold-out shows and five Q+As. Audiences were especially surprised and delighted by Saturday night’s secret screening of “Anora,” the new Palme d’Or-winning film by Sean Baker, featuring breakout stars Mikey Madison and Mark Eidelschtein. The Filmfest Audience Award went to “Unstoppable,” based on the inspiring true story of wrestler Anthony Robles, who attended an emotional Q+A after Friday’s sold-out screening.

In her new role, Chapin is setting a bold vision for the future of Aspen Film and the historic Isis Theatre. Her vision includes transforming the theater into a dynamic community hub, where locals and visitors can gather for cinematic experiences, educational events, and cultural programming. This reimagined space will be a welcoming environment, fostering connection, creativity, and a deeper engagement with the arts, making it a central part of Aspen’s cultural and social fabric.

“Creating a lasting legacy is my goal for Aspen Film,” Chapin said in a press release. “This city deserves a world-class community hub that honors its history while reimagining what film can mean to people.”

Chapin has a proven track record of turning visionary ideas into reality. She played a pivotal role in creating an $80 million arts center in downtown La Jolla, California, before setting her sights on Aspen’s Isis Theatre. With this experience, Chapin hopes to foster a sense of camaraderie and community through the new theater.

Chapin has long been dedicated to giving back to the community. One of her notable contributions to Aspen was developing the Aspen Monopoly board game, with proceeds benefiting local non-profits such as the Aspen Community Foundation, Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Youth Center, and Theatre Aspen.

For more than a decade, Chapin has balanced her time between San Diego and Aspen. In addition to her involvement with Aspen Film, she is the co-founder and general partner of Chapin Ventures, a boutique private equity fund that invests in start-ups, including her own ventures. Now, Chapin is calling for community support to bring Aspen Film’s vision to life, which includes volunteer efforts, fundraising, and participation in programs like educational outreach and children’s summer camps.

“I’m excited to chair Aspen Film at this pivotal moment and bring the experience from my work in California to this wonderful mountain town,” Chapin remarked. “Reimagining the Isis Theatre offers a unique opportunity to further elevate Aspen’s rich cultural landscape. By transforming this historic venue into a state-of-the-art cinematic space, we’ll complement Aspen’s renowned arts scene with equally impressive film experiences. This project will not only preserve a local landmark but also enhance Aspen’s position as a premier destination for film enthusiasts and deepen our community’s commitment to the arts.”

Read the original article HERE