Film Society director Richard Peña steps down

The director of the Film Society of Lincoln Centre has announced that he will be stepping down next year.

Richard Peña, who acts as programme director and head of the New York Film Festival Selection Committee, will retire following 2012's 50th NYFF.

The announcement was made before the screening of Alexander Payne's The Descendants, which closed this year's festival.

Peña said in a statement: "Heading into the 50th anniversary of the Festival, it seems a perfect time for a transition, both for me personally and for the organisation.

"Working at the Film Society has been beyond a 'dream come true', but in the years left me I would like to possibly explore other areas of interest, both within and beyond the cinema. I also feel that, like at any other cultural institution, change can be important, as it will bring in fresh ideas and approaches to lead the Film Society into its next 50 years."

Peña will have worked for the organisation for 25 years by the time he steps down next year.

He will continue to work with the Film Society to "help design and organise a new educational initiative".