Longtime film professional Wade Neal has been selected to lead Enzian Theater. Credit: Photo courtesy The Enzian Theater

After a years-long search, Enzian Theater has named a change in leadership with a new executive director — the arthouse theater’s first in nearly seven years.

Enzian’s former executive director, David Schillhammer, resigned in December 2018. The only full-time independent cinema in Central Florida and home of the annual Florida Film Festival, Enzian has been dividing leadership responsibilities among officials of the theater’s governing board ever since.

The theater’s Search Committee began looking for new leadership last fall as part of a two-year strategic plan led by the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management, according to a release from the theater.

Now, finally, longtime film professional Wade Neal has been selected to lead the space.

With 14 years of experience in the independent theater and festival sector, Neal previously served as an assistant executive director at the Grand Cinema and Tacoma Film Festival and was a volunteer member of the Tacoma Arts Commission. He will assume the role on July 10, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.

“I want to express my thanks to the Enzian Board, leadership and staff for giving me the opportunity to lead Enzian and the Florida Film Festival,” Neal said in a release. “Cinemas are important cultural touchstones for us — they are where we see movies that transform our lives, entertain us and provide connections through film.”

Neal said that the Enzian has already created the “perfect movie-going experience” and aims to enhance community bonding over film as he takes on the role.

“Not only is he a skilled professional in the Art House Theater field, but his passion and personality are the right fit to nurture and grow Enzian in a sincere and purposeful way,” Board Member Elizabeth Mukherjee said. “We are beyond excited to see what Wade’s experience and leadership will bring to Enzian and to Central Florida.”

Informal meet and greet opportunities with Neal will be held at the Enzian, including “Happy Hour with Wade” on July 16 and “Coffee with Wade” on July 19 before the screening of Alien.

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This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2025.

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Enzian Theater names Wade Neal as new executive director

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