IFC Films, the studio behind “Late Night With the Devil” and “Memoir of a Snail,” has tapped Ayo Kepher-Maat as its new vice president of acquisitions and productions. In this new role, Kepher-Maat will help the indie film studio build its slate, which includes films in the fiction, non-fiction and international realms.
Kepher-Maat, who is based in Los Angeles, will report to Scott Shooman, the company’s executive vice president and head of a film group encompassing three brands: IFC Films, RLJE Films and Shudder. She will also work alongside Adam Koehler, IFC’s director of acquisitions, and collaborate with the entire film group to ensure cohesion across the three divisions.
Kepher-Maat joins from Decal, the home entertainment joint venture between Neon and Bleecker Street, where she was a senior vice president of acquisitions. There, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s content strategy and acquiring titles such as the romantic comedy “Which Brings Me to You,” the folk horror “The Offering” and the hit comedy “Ride the Eagle.”
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Prior to Decal, Kepher-Maat was the director of acquisitions for Neon. She has also worked in acquisition at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, The Film Arcade and Creative Artist Agency (CAA). Kepher-Maat is a Los Angeles native and a graduate of Cinema and Television Arts from California State University, Northridge. She was recognized as one of Variety‘s New Leaders in 2021.
“I have admired Ayo’s acquisition instincts for years and think she will be an amazing addition to the IFC Films team,” Shooman said. “She has shown a keen eye for quality, innovation and has a terrific reputation with filmmakers. As we continue to grow IFC Films, Ayo and her taste will be an important part of our vision for the future of independent film.”