A film programmer at Rotterdam’s prestigious international film festival for more than eight years, Mr Taylor has taken over from Melanie Iredale as festival director in Berwick.
Ms Iredale stood down after five years as director to take on a new job in Sheffield.
Belfast-born Mr Taylor, 40, starts his new role this month and will immediately begin working on the 11th edition of the festival in Berwick.
Huw Davies, chairman and co-founder of Berwick Film Festival, said: “Peter brings a wealth of experience in the international film festival circuit, admirable curatorial and programming skills, a wonderful drive and enthusiasm to the festival and to the town.
“We are delighted to have him has part of our team.”
Established in 2005, the film festival transforms the town through premiere screenings, site-specific installations, and specially commissioned projects across a number of locations.
Taylor will immediately begin the selection and commissioning of artists and filmmakers for the 2015 festival, themed ‘Fact or Fiction’.
He said: “I am keen to build on the work the festival has done to date in expanding audiences’ cinematic experiences beyond that of the film theatre.
“I’ve followed Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival with great interest over the years as it has evolved into one of the few UK film festivals that is as serious about cinema as it is about commissioning and exhibiting artists’ moving image. It is with great excitement that I step into the position of festival director.”
The 11th Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival runs from September 23-27.