Aspen Film announced today that film festival professional Michael DeVous Jr. has been named Communications Manager.  Mr. DeVous will be responsible for Aspen Film's external communications, including proactively managing Aspen Film's brand and all marketing and public relations initiatives.

"We have a diverse slate of festivals and film series throughout the year, along with the desire to deepen our reach and scope in the Roaring Fork Valley.  We are pleased to welcome a seasoned professional who intimately understands the unique challenges of marketing and publicizing a non-profit film arts organization. Michael's expertise and enthusiasm for film are key qualities that we know will enhance our presence locally, nationally and internationally," noted Managing Director Natalie McMenemy.

Mr. DeVous brings 10 years of experience from well-known international film festivals, including AFI FEST in Los Angeles, the international festival of the American Film Institute, AFI DALLAS International Film Festival, SilverDocs Documentary Film Festival, the Lone Star International Film Festival and Deep Ellum Film Festival, as well as working as a publicist for several films at the Sundance Film Festival. In addition, he has worked in the entertainment industry for the past 25 years in event marketing, film and special events production including such organizations as Arts Fighting Cancer. His experiences have taken him from the Southern Caribbean to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and now to his new home in Aspen, Colorado. Raised as a teenager skiing on the slopes of the lower Rockies in New Mexico, he is looking forward to regaining his ski-legs in Aspen.

"When the opportunity to work with such a renowned organization as Aspen Film presented itself, I jumped at the chance. What was particularly appealing to me was the opportunity to promote film and filmmakers in a more relaxed and intimate setting. With Aspen's diverse and rich community of arts and culture, I did not hesitate to add this wonderful town and organization to my proverbial "bucket list". Add to this all the incredible opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and this place had me at hello," said Mr. DeVous.

Most immediately, Mr. DeVous will focus on Aspen Film's SummerFILMS series in conjunction with the Aspen Music School & Festival that runs July 5 - August 16 at the Paepcke Auditorium, Aspen Filmfest September 30 - October 4, and a marketing campaign to incorporate Aspen Film's 30 year history, re-introducing the festivals to a new generation of film enthusiasts, sponsors, and community supporters.

For additional information, please contact Michael DeVous Jr., Communications Manager, mdevous@aspenfilm.org, 970 925 6882.

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Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado's oldest and most active film arts organizations, presenting more than 200 programs, hosting more than 75 film artists, and reaching more than 30,000 people annually via its signature events: Filmfest, Shortsfest, Academy Screenings, and SummerFILMS.  Its extensive educational opportunities (preK-Senior), serving schools, libraries, and families from Aspen to Rifle, have reach more than 5,000 youth this year.