MICHELLE BYRD
Executive Director, Independent Feature Project

Michelle Byrd is a 15-year veteran of the American independent film scene.  As Executive Director of the Independent Feature Project (IFP,) a national not-for-profit organization supporting independent filmmakers, she spearheads numerous national and international programs designed to assist American independent filmmakers in receiving funding and distribution for their work and exposure to new audiences.

Since joining IFP in 1991as her predecessor's assistant, Ms. Byrd has been responsible for increasing the profile and regularity of IFP programs and membership services. Promoted to Executive Director in 1997, Ms. Byrd is responsible for the strategic direction on all of IFP's activities, including such flagship properties as the IFP Market, Gotham Awards and Filmmaker Magazine brands.

In 2005, Ms. Byrd was selected for Variety's annual "Indie Impact List: 50 Who Made a Difference."  Additionally, Ms. Byrd provided invaluable leadership on behalf of IFP and 15 independent production companies in successfully obtaining a court order to force the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to lift its ban on 2003 awards season screeners.

Ms. Byrd currently serves on the New York City Mayoral Task Force on Diversity in Film, Television and Commercial Production, and is also on the Board of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. She has served on funding review panels for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and ITVS (Independent Television Service.)  She has also served as a juror on the following international film festivals: International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg (Germany), Carthage Film Festival (Tunisia), Silverdocs (Washington, D.C.), Urbanworld Film Festival (NYC). 

Ms. Byrd received a B.A. from Fairfield University.