Carrying the Legacy Forward
A proposal for the future of the Institute founded by Haskell Wexler, carried forward by Jeff Wexler, and ready for its next chapter.
Three Generations of Cinema
The Institute for Cinema Studies was founded by Haskell Wexler — two-time Academy Award-winning cinematographer, documentary filmmaker, and one of the most important visual storytellers of the 20th century. Its mission: to elevate consciousness through cinema and media arts.
The Institute is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation (EIN: 95-3474696). Its most significant holding is the Haskell Wexler film archive — one of the most important collections of American cinematographic and documentary material in private hands.
What I Intend to Do
The Institute's mission — elevating consciousness through cinema — hasn't aged a day. If anything, it's more urgent now than when Haskell first articulated it. Here's how I plan to honor and expand that mission:
Preserve the Archive
Digitize, catalog, and preserve the Haskell Wexler Archive. Make it genuinely accessible through modern tools. Release significant portions under Creative Commons licensing — because Haskell believed cinema is for the people.
Grants for Independent Filmmakers
Establish a grants program to support independent filmmakers — the kind of artists Haskell championed his entire life. Direct funding toward voices and stories that need it most.
Events & Partnerships
Create screenings, retrospectives, and public programs in partnership with organizations like American Cinematheque, Vidiots, and other institutions dedicated to cinema culture and film preservation.
Expand into New Media
Bridge what the Institute has always stood for with where media arts are heading — immersive experiences, real-time graphics, interactive storytelling, and new cinematic formats. Haskell pioneered new ways of seeing through the camera. The Institute should continue that spirit.
The Wexler Family Archive
This is what the Institute's work looks like in practice. I've already begun building a digital archive — a searchable, browsable collection spanning 100 years of cinema history, filmmaking, and the Wexler family legacy. This is hosted under the Institute's own domain.
Password: WEXDEV2026!
The Path Forward
To formally take on this role, the remaining board members of the Institute need to sign a board resolution appointing me as Executive Director. This is a standard governance step for a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Board Members
The Institute's current board consists of the following individuals, each of whom will receive this resolution for signature:
- P. Scott Sakamoto — Board Member
- Theresa Curtain — Board Member
- John A. Lawrence — Board Member (if currently serving)
What the Resolution Does
The resolution grants standard Executive Director authorities: day-to-day management, financial oversight, banking, contracts (with board approval for anything over $25,000), program development, and representation. It does not alter the existing board structure or anyone's role as a director.
The full resolution is below. It has been prepared for DocuSign — board members will receive a signing link.
Board Resolution
Appointment of Executive Director — Institute for Cinema Studies
Resolution of the Board of Directors
Institute for Cinema Studies
A California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation • EIN: 95-3474696
Unanimous Written Consent in Lieu of a Special Meeting
The undersigned, being all of the current members of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Institute for Cinema Studies, a California nonprofit corporation (the "Corporation"), pursuant to Section 7211(b) of the California Corporations Code, hereby adopt the following resolutions by unanimous written consent without a meeting:
Recitals
WHEREAS, the Corporation was founded by Haskell Wexler to advance the mission of elevating consciousness through cinema and media arts, and has operated continuously as a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization;
WHEREAS, Jeff Wexler faithfully served as Executive Director of the Corporation, carrying forward the mission and stewardship of the organization following Haskell Wexler's passing;
WHEREAS, Jeff Wexler passed away on December 9, 2025, creating a vacancy in the position of Executive Director;
WHEREAS, David S. Wexler, grandson of Haskell Wexler and son of Jeff Wexler, has served as Creative Director of the Corporation and has expressed his commitment to continuing the mission and legacy of the Institute;
WHEREAS, David S. Wexler is an accomplished audio-visual artist and founder of Strangeloop Studios, bringing extensive experience in cinema, media arts, emerging technology, and creative leadership;
WHEREAS, the Board finds it to be in the best interest of the Corporation to appoint David S. Wexler as Executive Director to ensure continuity of leadership and to advance the Corporation's mission;
Resolutions
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that David S. Wexler is hereby appointed as Executive Director of the Institute for Cinema Studies, effective as of ______________________, 2026 (the "Effective Date");
RESOLVED FURTHER, that as Executive Director, David S. Wexler shall have the following powers, duties, and authorities, subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors and consistent with the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:
- General Management. To manage and direct the day-to-day operations, programs, and affairs of the Corporation;
- Financial Authority. To manage the Corporation's finances, approve expenditures within budgets established by the Board, maintain financial records, and ensure timely filing of all required tax and regulatory documents;
- Banking and Accounts. To open, close, and manage bank accounts and financial accounts in the name of the Corporation;
- Contracts and Agreements. To negotiate, execute, and manage contracts on behalf of the Corporation, provided that any single commitment exceeding $25,000 shall require prior Board approval;
- Personnel. To hire, manage, and terminate staff, contractors, and volunteers as necessary;
- Programs and Initiatives. To develop, implement, and oversee programs consistent with the Corporation's mission, including archive preservation, educational programming, public exhibitions, and new media initiatives;
- Representation. To serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the Corporation;
- Reporting. To provide regular reports to the Board on activities, financial status, and strategic direction, no less than quarterly;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and may be removed by a majority vote at any time, with or without cause;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers and directors of the Corporation are hereby authorized to execute any and all documents and to take any and all actions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the foregoing resolutions;
Signatures
Acknowledgment of Appointment
I, David S. Wexler, hereby accept the appointment as Executive Director of the Institute for Cinema Studies and agree to faithfully discharge the duties and responsibilities of the position as set forth in this resolution and the Corporation's governing documents.
This resolution shall be filed with the minutes of the Corporation.
Download, Sign & Return
To move forward, please follow these steps:
- Click the button below to download the resolution as a PDF
- Print and sign where indicated
- Scan or photograph the signed document
- Email it to david@strangeloop-studios.com
Board Meeting Minutes
For the purpose of updating authorized account ownership with the Institute's banking institution.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Institute for Cinema Studies
1027 Grant St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
A California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation • EIN: 95-3474696
Board Members Present:
- P. Scott Sakamoto
- Theresa Curtain
- John A. Lawrence (if currently serving)
Quorum: Established
Agenda Item 1: Change of Executive Director / Authorized Account Owner
Background: The Board acknowledged the passing of Jeff Wexler, who served as Executive Director of the Institute for Cinema Studies. Jeff Wexler passed away on December 9, 2025, creating a vacancy in the position of Executive Director and leaving the organization's bank accounts without an authorized owner.
Previous Authorized Owner:
- Full Legal Name: Jeff Wexler
- Title: Executive Director
- Role: Sole authorized owner and signatory on all Institute for Cinema Studies bank accounts
New Authorized Owner:
- Full Legal Name: David S. Wexler
- Title: Executive Director
- Relationship: Grandson of founder Haskell Wexler; son of previous Executive Director Jeff Wexler
Reason for Change:
Jeff Wexler, the previous Executive Director and authorized account owner, passed away on December 9, 2025. David S. Wexler is being appointed as the new Executive Director to ensure continuity of leadership and operations, and to manage the organization's financial accounts and assets.
Motion: A motion was made to appoint David S. Wexler as the new Executive Director and authorized owner for all Institute for Cinema Studies accounts, including all bank and financial accounts held in the name of the organization.
Powers Granted: As Executive Director, David S. Wexler is authorized to:
- Open, close, and manage bank accounts and financial accounts in the name of the Institute for Cinema Studies
- Sign checks, authorize electronic transfers, and execute financial instruments on behalf of the Corporation
- Manage the Corporation's finances and approve expenditures within budgets established by the Board
- Negotiate and execute contracts on behalf of the Corporation (commitments exceeding $25,000 require prior Board approval)
- Manage the day-to-day operations, programs, and affairs of the Corporation
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the Corporation
Vote:
Motion: ☐ Passed ☐ Failed
Agenda Item 2: Authorization to Transfer and Close Accounts
Motion: A motion was made to authorize David S. Wexler, as newly appointed Executive Director, to take all actions necessary to transfer ownership of, and subsequently close, existing Institute for Cinema Studies bank accounts as needed for the proper management of the Corporation's finances.
Vote:
Motion: ☐ Passed ☐ Failed
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Signatures
Acknowledgment of Appointment
I, David S. Wexler, hereby accept the appointment as Executive Director of the Institute for Cinema Studies and accept authorization as the owner and signatory on all Institute bank and financial accounts.
These minutes shall be filed with the records of the Corporation.
Download Board Meeting Minutes
This document is formatted for printing. Download as PDF for bank submission.