Kent Jones (critic)

Kent Jones is an American film critic, filmmaker, and programmer. He is known for his writing on cinema, his documentary films, and his work in film programming at institutions like the Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and the New York Film Festival (NYFF).

Jones was the Director of the New York Film Festival from 2013 to 2019, succeeding Richard Peña. Before becoming Director, he served as a member of the NYFF selection committee for many years. His tenure at the NYFF was marked by a commitment to showcasing a diverse range of films, including both established masters and emerging talents.

As a critic, Jones has written for publications such as Film Comment, Sight & Sound, Cahiers du Cinéma, and The Criterion Collection. His critical writing is characterized by its insightful analysis, historical awareness, and personal engagement with the art of cinema. He is often praised for his ability to articulate the nuances of film form and to connect individual works to broader cinematic and cultural trends.

Jones has also directed several documentary films, including Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows (2007), a portrait of the influential horror film producer, and Hitchcock/Truffaut (2015), which explores the legendary conversations between Alfred Hitchcock and François Truffaut. His documentaries often delve into the creative process and the history of filmmaking.

Beyond his work in criticism, programming, and filmmaking, Jones has also been involved in film preservation and education. He has been a strong advocate for the importance of preserving cinematic heritage and making classic films accessible to new audiences.