Last November, shockwaves were sent through the film festival circuit when 79 of Germany’s most prominent filmmakers published an open letter calling for a “new start” for the Berlin Film Festival following the 2019 exit of long-time artistic director Dieter Kosslick.

The high-profile directors, including Fatih Akin, M…

The appointment of the next Berlin Film Festival chief was always going to be an involved process. Most festival appointments are. But this situation was more delicate given the calls from prominent industry figures for a festival overhaul.

Rumours had been swirling for months about possible predecessors and last week …

Locarno chief Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek, managing director of promotion agency German Films, have been officially confirmed as the new co-heads of the Berlinale to take over from Dieter Kosslick when his contract is up after the 2019 edition.

Chatrian will serve as artistic director, handling film selectio…