Mourning the loss of our close friend, Van McLeod

We are extremely saddened to share news that one of the New Hampshire Film Festival’s earliest champions, greatest allies and passionate friends passed away early this morning.  Van McLeod served as Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources for the last 24 years, devoting himself fully to the arts community and its peers.  This wonderful state we call home is truly a better place because of his accomplishments and efforts.

Since 2008, we have been humbled to bestow an award bearing Van’s name to mark the enormous impact he has made – and will continue to make for years to come – on New Hampshire’s film and television industry.  Like the man himself, the Van McLeod Award honors an individual who has made a significant career contribution to the visual arts.  They are big shoes to fill.

We loved having Van with us to celebrate his award’s new recipient, lending his knowledge and infectious personality to the festival each and every year.  We will miss him deeply, and we will always keep him in spirit as we continue to cherish his legacy.

Thank you, Van.  Godspeed dear friend.