We want to express our sense of overwhelming shock and deep grief at the passing of our friend and former colleague Bingham Ray.

The film world knew him as a fierce champion of artists, always looking for new ways to spotlight their work, and increasing their freedom to create it.

At SnagFilms and Indiewire, we knew this track record when we asked Bingham to join us and help chart the next phase of our growth. What I did not know until we had the chance to work together was how brilliant, honorable and hysterically funny Bingham Ray was. He taught all of us the context for our efforts – the history of independent film in and before our time, lived and learned across his decades of leadership. He infused everything with his unquenchable passion for film, filmmakers and the audiences who love them. And he made us laugh – very, very hard and often.

None of us can imagine a world without his involvement, but in addition to conveying our deepest condolences to Nancy and their children and extended family, we should and must carry on the work of his lifetime – and mourn Bingham and miss his irreplaceable grace.

Rick Allen, CEO, SnagFilms and Indiewire