The Berlinale has appointed German-French film producer and executive Tanja Meissner as director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market, in a reshaped role that covers both bodies.
Meissner starts in the role on Monday, May 13, and will be attending Cannes.
The heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund will all report directly to Meissner, in her role as director of Berlinale Pro.
Meissner’s appointment was made by new Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle, herself heading into her first edition as head of the festival next year.
Meissner has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, including 14 years as director of sales and acquisitions at Paris-based sales firm Memento Films International; and seven years as director of sales at Celluloid Dreams. She has also worked in film publicity, as a freelance consultant, and as a teacher at the Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg.
”Tanja Meissner is immensely well regarded in the international film industry, for her integrity, great taste and shrewd business sense,” said Tuttle. ”She offers a rare combination of experience at the highest level in sales and distribution while also combining it with an understanding of how to nurture new talent and support green shoots in the industry. All of this is anchored by a genuine and deep passion for cinema.
”I am eager to use our platforms at the Berlinale to support the whole ecosystem from filmmakers and rights holders through to distributors, cinemas and audiences,” continued Tuttle. ”And I can’t think of a better first executive appointment to help achieve this.”
”I hold the Berlinale deeply to my heart, having started my professional career working at Panorama in the 1990s,” said Meissner. ”Over the years I have participated in the festival in various capacities, such as team member, industry representative or guest, thus combining a maybe unusual 360° perspective.”
Meissner replaces Dennis Ruh in the EFM director role, after he oversaw four editions from 2021 to 2024. The 2025 Berlinale will take place from February 13-25.
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