The Circuit

Online film fest Babelgum has hired indie film vet Karol Martesko-Fenster as general manager and publisher in a bid to expand its year-round programming.  Babelgum is positioning itself as a free internet TV platform that offers full-screen quality programming with a focus on indie film and festivals. 

Martesko-Fenster is charged with increasing acquisitions and partnerships as well as managing the company's online film festival, of which Spike Lee is jury chairman.

“Babelgum’s film programming is mainly focused on people who are passionate about indie film,” said Babelgum CEO Valerio Zingarelli, “and Karol’s passion for this material is just what we need."

"I am looking forward to working with the international team to position Babelgum as a market leader amongst the international independent filmmaking and emerging creative community," said Martesko-Fenster.

Martesko-Fenster was the co-founder and publisher of indieWIRE and Filmmaker Magazine before becoming GM/Head of Film for Palm Pictures and its RES Media Group, overseeing the release of Doug Pray's "Scratch" and Julio Medem's "Sex & Lucia."