HARTFORD, Conn. -- Leadership of a local film festival is changing hands after its director steps down following 11 years of leadership.

Dan Millett is stepping down as director of Out Film CT, producer of the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The group's secretary, Shane Engstrom, succeeds Millett after an election of the Board of Directors.

A statement released by the organization lauds Millett for expanding its film festival, which was awarded the 2007 Outstanding Project Award by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

"Under Dan’s outstanding leadership, the festival has grown into the (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) centerpiece of Connecticut’s cultural landscape, and I am honored to have the opportunity to carry on that legacy," Engstrom said in the statement. "Our Festival in June is one of the most anticipated events of the year for film lovers and the LGBT community, and this year will be no exception."

Engstrom has served on the board for six years, during which time, he developed the organization's Web site. Millett will remain involved as an adviser to the board.

Bill Loehr replaces Engstrom as secretary for the organization.

The 21st Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is scheduled to take place May 30 through June 7. For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, visit the Out Film CT Web site.