By Maria Esteves – October 19, 2012

An outpouring of farewells were expressed by executive director Rose Kuo, Film Society of Lincoln Center, directors of programming Robert Koehler (year round) and Kent Jones, New York Film Festival to Richard Peña, program director, Film Society of Lincoln Center and selection committee chair, New York Film Festival, during the 50th New York Film Festival (NYFF50) Closing Night Gala at Alice Tully Hall, New York, Sunday, October 14, 2012. Peña who is scheduled to leave at end of year is a true visionary who showcased the best in world cinema since 1988. We will miss him dearly.

The New York Film Festival Gold: A 50th Anniversary Celebration book release edited by Laura Kern of Film Comment, former Film Society Executive Director Joanne Koch and Program Director Richard Peña, is a stunning collection of cinema history. To pre-order a copy to be shipped in January 2013, please visit: https://secure.filmlinc.com/page/contribute/new-york-film-festival-gold-pre-sales

Richard Peña Farewell Tribute at NYFF50 Closing Night Gala: Executive director Rose Kuo, Film Society of Lincoln.

Richard Peña Farewell Tribute at NYFF50 Closing Night Gala: Director of programming Kent Jones, left, and year round director of programming Robert Koehler, NYFF.