How David Huffman fares as the new director of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque remains to be seen. He’s only a few days into the post. 

One point, though, is beyond question, even at this early stage: In terms of passion for the job, no one is better suited to take up the mantle of longtime director John Ewing or his successor, Bilgesu Sisman. A film superfan, he’s spent his life preparing for just such an opportunity. 

“I’ve watched every type of movie there is,” Huffman said in mid-May, shortly after his appointment was announced. 

“I’m not a film snob but I love snobby films. I’m not afraid of the lowest bit of garbage or the most intimidating three-hour art films. It’s all just a part of who I am.”

“Part” is the operative word in that last observation. Huffman is indeed a cinephile of the highest order. He proudly claims to watch 600 films a year, and his tagline on his LinkedIn profile is “I live for movies…” But film is far from his only pursuit. 

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