The experienced European film executive Tanja Meissner is taking on a new role as director of Berlinale Pro*, overseeing Berlin’s EFM, the European Film Market. This position is newly created. Tricia Tuttle, the new director of the Berlin film festival, announced Meissner’s appointment. Meissner will lead the European Film Market and help develop the Berlinale Pro consortium. She will report directly to Tuttle.
Meissner replaces Dennis Ruh at the EFM, bringing more than 25 years of experience in European independent cinema. She has worked at Memento Films International and Celluloid Dreams. Meissner, a German-French citizen, starts her new job on May 13 and will attend the Cannes film festival with the Berlinale team.
Tuttle praised Meissner’s integrity, taste, and business sense, noting her ability to nurture new talent and support industry growth. Meissner is excited about her new role, given her history with the Berlinale, where she began working in guest relations for the Panorama sidebar.
Tuttle, who previously directed the BFI London Film Festival, is now the sole head of the Berlinale. Her first festival as director will be the 75th Berlinale in February 2005.