Bingham Ray has been appointed the new executive director of the San Francisco Film Society effective November 7, 2011.  Ray comes to the San Francisco Film Society from New York City, where he recently served as the first run programming consultant to the Film Society of Lincoln Center, executive consultant to the digital distribution company SnagFilms and adjunct professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

“This opportunity defines the phrase ‘too good to be true’ for me,” said Ray. “To be invited to head one of the world’s greatest, most prestigious film societies, in one of the world’s greatest cities, is beyond extraordinary. Stepping in behind Graham Leggat is truly a daunting task. He elevated the San Francisco Film Society and its great Festival to world-class levels and assembled an incredibly talented staff, all of which are supported by a progressive, passionate and involved board of directors. I’m thrilled to be in such great company and welcome the challenges to come in this exciting new personal and professional chapter.”