Laurent Rejtö, a key figure in the Hudson Valley’s film industry and a co-founder of the Woodstock Film Festival, passed away on Sunday, July 27, following a 10-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years old.
Rejtö played a significant role in elevating the region’s profile within the film and television industry. In 2000, he co-founded the Woodstock Film Festival, and he later established the Hudson Valley Film Commission, where he served as executive director. Through his efforts, the area grew into a prominent destination for both independent and major studio productions, supported by a growing local workforce, tax incentives and improved production infrastructure.
In addition to his work behind the scenes, Rejtö made occasional on-screen appearances, including roles in locally filmed titles such as Driveways (2019) and The Good Mother (2023).