One of the most highly regarded festival directors in the industry, Hebron had worked on the BFI London Film Festival and the BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival since taking 2003.

In announcing her intended departure, Hebron praised the festival team with which she worked.
“I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved, and indebted to the many filmmakers and industry professionals who have helped us develop and raise the profile of the London Film Festival. Leaving the BFI at such an exciting time in its history has been a tough decision, but I’m keen to develop my skills in new areas, and I know I leave the festivals in safe hands. In the meantime, I’m very much looking forward to presenting this year’s LFF, and to attending many more in the future.”

In response, Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive at the BFI, added:
“Sandra is one of the most respected, creative and imaginative film festival directors in the world. She has transformed the BFI London Film Festival into the most exciting two weeks for film in the UK’s cultural calendar and her departure is a great loss to the BFI. But she leaves behind a fantastic legacy; a festival with an outstanding international reputation and a highly skilled and creative team. I know that she will make our 55th BFI London Film Festival her best yet and a wonderful parting gift to all of us who care about and love film and we wish her every success for the future.”

Originally an academic working in the fields of cultural studies and sociology, Hebron has worked in independent film exhibition for over twenty years. She has also worked in arts funding, and has advised a broad range of festivals and cultural organisations. She has made several short films, and writes and broadcasts regularly about cinema.

The 55th London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 12 October until Thursday 27 October 2011. Much anticipated within Europe’s cultural calendar, the festival will continue to champion creativity, originality, vision and imagination, attracting leading international filmmakers and industry professionals, together with large public audiences for two weeks of the best in contemporary world cinema.