Hermione Malone, head of the Cleveland International Film Festival, is stepping down after a controversial two-year reign. The festival made the announcement Friday.
The Detroit native and former journalist succeeded Marcie Goodman, who retired in June 2024 after 23 years.
Malone’s tenure was marked by repeated accusations of workplace toxicity. In 2025, she responded by saying change is “never really easy” and that staff needed to “reflect” and “recalibrate.” Days later, CIFF Board President Joe Marinucci said there is “a significant challenge in securing a sustainable future for CIFF.”…