Jackson Hole International Film Festival Appoints Sam Pope as Executive Director
Jackson Hole International Film Festival (JHIFF) has appointed filmmaker, producer, photographer, and creative director Sam Pope as Executive Director, advancing the festival into its next chapter as a destination for international films, emerging filmmakers, and culturally resonant storytelling in the American West.
Pope brings more than 20 years of experience across film production, branded content, action sports filmmaking, tourism campaigns, and nonprofit media initiatives. Throughout his career, he has developed projects with an intuitive understanding of audience, atmosphere, and engagement, accompanied by extensive experience in organizational leadership, festival management, and audience development strategy, an approach well-suited to the experience of a film festival.
As the longest-tenured member of the JHIFF team prior to this appointment, Pope has contributed to the festival’s creative development, partnerships, and programming support. His role reflects a continued evolution for JHIFF: strengthening its identity as a filmmaker-focused organization known for access to artists, dynamic programming, and a strong sense of community.
“Sam understands the creative and operational side of building a lasting film festival,” said Stuart Suna, Founder and Board Chair of JHIFF. “His experience, combined with his connection to Jackson Hole and commitment to filmmakers, positions JHIFF for an exciting new era within the global film community.”
Under Pope’s direction, JHIFF will continue to expand its presence within the international festival circuit while preserving the qualities that distinguish the festival experience in Jackson Hole: conversation over spectacle, discovery over volume, and a setting that encourages authentic exchanges among filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders. The long-term vision positions JHIFF as a natural cultural stop ahead of the holiday season—a stunning winter gathering where acclaimed theatrical releases, independent film, documentaries, shorts, and adventure narratives share the weekend, contributing to a distinctive curatorial perspective.
Pope currently serves as Vice Chair of the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board and sits on the Board of Friends of Pathways, demonstrating an ongoing investment in the region's cultural and civic life.
“Jackson Hole has always been a place that values originality, risk-taking, and people willing to do things differently, and great filmmaking comes from that same spirit,” said Pope. “JHIFF has an opportunity to become a festival that mirrors that identity: bold, independent, and connected to place. My goal is to continue building a festival recognized for adventurous programming, filmmaker access, and the energy that comes from audiences and artists experiencing films together in Jackson Hole, while becoming an anticipated stop on the international festival circuit.”
About Jackson Hole International Film Festival
Jackson Hole International Film Festival celebrates the work of international creatives in an environment that inspires and honors the stories behind the art.
For more information: jhiff.org
Summer programming: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Winter programming: Thursday, December 10 - Sunday, December 13, 2026.