Chuck Boller is stepping down as executive director of the Hawaii International Film Festival to take an emeritus position with the organization. Deputy Director Robert Lambeth will replace Boller as of Jan. 1.

Boller has worked for HIFF for 23 of the event’s 33 years, the past 13 as executive director. A statement released Thursday said that Boller, in his new role, will focus on fundraising and the establishment of a HIFF foundation.

"I have enjoyed it immensely and am proud of where HIFF is today and of what HIFF has become," Boller said in the statement. "It is incredibly rewarding to see your dreams come true."

With the addition of HIFF’s Creative Lab — a series of seminars and presentations in which local filmmakers and fans can meet with industry professionals — "new and alternative" funding sources are needed, Boller said.

He helped the festival become a major showcase for Asian films, developing close relationships in the Chinese film industry. Every year, many Asian films debut internationally at HIFF.

Lambeth worked for HIFF from 1996 to 2000, then left for a decade to work in the finance industry. He returned in 2011 as HIFF’s first deputy director, spearheading a survey aimed at improving the festival experience.

"It is an honor for me to be part of such an extraordinary organization and I am very grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from the HIFF board of directors and from previous executive directors Chuck Boller and Jeannette Paulson," he said in the HIFF statement. "Thanks to their great leadership, for over 33 years HIFF has made a vital and tangible difference to the lives of so many in our Hawaii ohana. I look forward to building on that worthy legacy and I’m truly excited about HIFF’s future potential."