Deirdre Haj is the current Executive Director of Film Streams in Omaha, a position she has occupied since May 2021, bringing her extensive experience and expertise to the organization.
Before assuming the role of Executive Director at Film Streams, Haj served as the leader of the prestigious Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, a position she took on in January 2010.
During her tenure at Full Frame, Haj was responsible for guiding the festival's growth and development, fostering relationships with filmmakers, and curating a diverse range of documentary films for audiences to enjoy.
Under the visionary leadership of Haj, Full Frame underwent a profound transformation, emerging as a preeminent, Oscar-qualifying film festival that not only showcased an impressive array of cinematic masterpieces but also fostered a culture of year-round programming and community engagement.
As a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, Haj successfully prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion across every aspect of the organization, ensuring that the festival's programming and initiatives reflected the rich tapestry of human experience.
Some of Haj's most notable achievements include the establishment of the School of Doc, a groundbreaking filmmaking course designed specifically for teenagers, which has empowered a new generation of emerging filmmakers to tell their stories and share their perspectives.
Additionally, Haj spearheaded the development of the Teach the Teachers documentary literacy program, a pioneering initiative that has equipped educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively integrate documentary film into their curricula, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form among students and educators alike.
Furthermore, the Speakeasy Conversations series, a hallmark of the Full Frame festival, has become a celebrated platform for industry professionals, artists, and audiences to gather, share ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about the power of documentary filmmaking in shaping our understanding of the world.
Haj played a pivotal role in spearheading the creation of essential resources, ultimately facilitating the establishment of new Full Frame offices and the esteemed Full Frame Theater, strategically situated in the heart of downtown Durham.
Moreover, Haj was entrusted with the responsibility of driving annual growth in membership, consistently fostering a thriving community.
Furthermore, in addition to her executive leadership position at Full Frame, Haj has served as a Senior Advisor for Television and Film at the renowned Duke University since 2016.
Before commencing her tenure at Full Frame and Duke, Haj concurrently collaborated with prominent Hollywood studios and government agencies, leveraging her expertise to facilitate a unique fusion of film and television industry professionals, including actors, producers, and directors, with federal agencies, with the shared objective of critically examining the on-screen portrayals of various public health issues, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and more nuanced representation of these critical concerns.
Noted theater professional Haj is currently in a loving and committed partnership with Joseph Haj, a highly respected and accomplished artistic director who has made a significant impact on the world of theater, currently serving as the artistic director of the esteemed Guthrie Theater, a renowned cultural institution located in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, known for its rich cultural landscape and thriving arts scene.
