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| Paul Gallagher and Seonaid Daly are stepping into new roles Photo: Courtesy of Glasgow Film Festival |
The appointments see the pair succeed Allison Garnder, who will retire this October from her dual role as chief executive of Glasgow Film and director of Glasgow Film Festival, after more than 30 years with the organisation.
Glasgow Film runs independent cinema Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow Youth Film Festival and is the lead organisation for Film Hub Scotland.
Daly has been executive director of Glasgow Film for more than five years, co-leading organisational strategy and overseeing areas including fundraising and development, equity and inclusion and environmental sustainability.
She has been connected to the organisation for almost two decades, first working as a marketing and events officer for the GFT in 2007. She will take up the role from September 2025.
Daly said: “I’m proud to take on the role of CEO at Glasgow Film, a place that has shaped both my career and my love of cinema. It’s a huge privilege to be responsible for such an important institution and I’m very excited to play a key role in ensuring its future.
“Glasgow Film is in a really strong position thanks to all the staff, volunteers, different people and organisations who make up our vibrant communities, and of course Allison Gardner, whose leadership has been central to Glasgow Film’s success.
“I’m inspired by my brilliant colleagues, our dedicated partners, the filmmakers we work with, and our loyal audiences, who remind us daily, why our cinema means so much to them. There’s always more to do to ensure everyone can see themselves on screen, explore creative careers, and feel at home in GFT. Cinema has the power to both reflect and shape the world around us and I believe deeply in the importance of open, inclusive cultural spaces, places where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected.”
Gallagher has also been a key member of Glasgow Film’s management team for more than a decade, first as marketing manager and subsequently as programme manager, leading on year- round programming at Glasgow Film Theatre since 2018. Key successes during his tenure include the establishment of GFT’s long-running programming strands Scorsese of the Month and Coen Brothers of the Month; the diversification of GFT’s CineMasters programme to spotlight broader film industry talent; and the curation of GFT’s hugely popular 50th Anniversary programme. He will also take up his role from September 2025, leading the creative directio of GFT and GFF
He said: “I am thrilled to take on the responsibility and privilege of the new Head of Programme role at Glasgow Film. Over the past six years I have loved leading on the year-round programme at GFT: working with such a wide range of partners and receptive audiences has been an education in expanding my horizons and understanding the vital role that independent cinema can play in the lives of so many different people. I'm excited to take that experience and build on those relationships as I step up to lead the curatorial vision for GFT and GFF. I can’t wait to work with Seonaid and the brilliant GFT and GFF Programme teams on what is an incredibly bright future for Glasgow Film.”
Gardner added: “I am delighted that Seonaid will be taking up the position of chief executive at Glasgow Film as I know she is passionate about our organisation and upholding our values. I know she will do an excellent job, working alongside our brilliant staff to continue to make Glasgow Film a vibrant and important cultural venue for film and talent.
“Paul is an excellent appointment to make sure GFT and GFF continue to provide great cinema that is accessible to all. His programming work at GFT has been exceptional and, alongside the teams, has made our cinema the best in the world. I’m sad to be leaving after over 30 years but immensely proud to have worked here and helped to contribute to the success of GFT, GFF and our youth and community work. I retire knowing that our organisation is in good hands and will be celebrating Glasgow Film’s future successes from afar.”
