- Tanja Meissner has been appointed as the director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market (EFM), succeeding Dennis Ruh.
- Her role includes strategic leadership in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium and overseeing the heads of the Berlinale co-production market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund.
- Meissner brings over 25 years of experience in the film industry, with notable stints at Celluloid Dreams and Memento Films.
- The appointment is part of a broader restructuring under the leadership of Berlinale festival director Tricia Tuttle, aiming to enhance the festival’s impact and reach.
Newsypeople- Tanja Meissner, a seasoned film executive with a rich background in international sales, has been appointed as the director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market (EFM). This significant move marks a transition following Dennis Ruh’s departure after the latest edition of the EFM. Meissner’s role has been redefined to include strategic leadership in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium, alongside the heads of the Berlinale co-production market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund, who will now report directly to her.
This appointment is part of a broader restructuring under the leadership of Berlinale festival director Tricia Tuttle, aiming to enhance the festival’s impact and reach within the global film industry.
Meissner’s extensive experience spans over 25 years across the production, distribution, and exhibition sectors. Her career highlights include roles at Celluloid Dreams and Memento Films, where she honed her skills as a sales agent. This wealth of experience positions her uniquely to lead the EFM and Berlinale Pro, leveraging her deep understanding of the film market dynamics and her commitment to nurturing new talent and supporting emerging projects within the industry.
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Tanja Meissner Appointed As Head Of Berlin’s European Film Market
The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, has recently announced a significant appointment that marks a new chapter in its illustrious history. Tanja Meissner, a seasoned professional with a rich background in the international film industry, has been named the new Director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market (EFM). This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Berlinale, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of global cinema.
Meissner’s extensive experience spans over 25 years in the film industry, encompassing roles in production, sales, distribution, and exhibition. Her career trajectory has not only equipped her with a deep understanding of the film business but also a unique perspective on nurturing new talent and supporting the growth of the industry. This blend of experience and passion for cinema makes her an ideal candidate to lead the Berlinale Pro and the EFM into the future.
The Berlinale Pro department, under Meissner’s leadership, will oversee all professional activities of the Berlin Film Festival. This includes the strategic development of the festival’s initiatives such as the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund. These initiatives are crucial for promoting talent, fostering international co-productions, and supporting cinema in regions with limited film infrastructure. Meissner’s role will involve working closely with the heads of these initiatives, who will report directly to her, ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to the festival’s professional endeavors.
Tanja Meissner Named Head of Berlin's European Film Market https://t.co/2jnGOBusz0
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 10, 2024
The European Film Market, a key component of the Berlinale, serves as a vital trading forum for the global film industry. With Meissner at the helm, the EFM is poised to continue its role as a significant driver of innovation and economic growth within the film sector. Her appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strategic vision to the market, further enhancing its position as a leading platform for film sales, distribution, and financing.
Meissner’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring within the Berlinale, aimed at strengthening its executive team and preparing for the arrival of Tricia Tuttle, the festival’s new director. Tuttle has expressed enthusiasm about Meissner’s appointment, highlighting her integrity, taste, and business acumen as key qualities that will contribute to the Berlinale’s mission of supporting the entire film ecosystem, from filmmakers and rights holders to distributors, cinemas, and audiences.
As Meissner prepares to take office on May 13, she brings with her a deep affection for the Berlinale, having started her professional career at the festival in the 1990s. Her journey from a team member at Panorama to her current position as Director of Berlinale Pro and the EFM reflects a career marked by dedication, passion, and a comprehensive understanding of the film industry. This new chapter in her career promises to further enrich the Berlinale’s legacy and its impact on global cinema.
Tanja Meissner Achievement Revealed
Tanja Meissner’s journey in the film industry is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for cinema. With over 25 years of experience, she has carved a niche for herself as a prominent figure in the international film scene. Her recent appointment as the director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her extensive contributions to the industry.
Meissner’s career began in 1995, where she worked as a PR agent for prestigious film festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, and Vienna. This early exposure to the film industry laid the foundation for her future endeavors. She served as an assistant to Wieland Speck, the Head of the Panorama section at the Berlinale, and worked in the press and guest office at the Viennale. Additionally, she freelanced in international PR for various films selected in Cannes and Venice, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the industry.
In 2001, Meissner moved to Paris and embarked on a new chapter in her career as a sales agent at Celluloid Dreams. This role marked the beginning of her journey in film sales and acquisitions, a domain where she would excel and make a lasting impact. Her tenure at Celluloid Dreams was followed by a significant role at Memento Films International, where she served as the Head of Sales and Acquisitions from 2007 to 2021. During this period, she was instrumental in the distribution and promotion of numerous films, contributing to their global success.
Meissner’s appointment to lead Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market is a recognition of her vast experience and deep understanding of the film industry. In her new role, she will oversee the strategic development of the Berlinale Pro consortium, working closely with the Heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and World Cinema Fund. This position not only reflects her professional achievements but also her personal connection to the Berlinale, where she started her career and has since participated in various capacities.
Her appointment was announced by Tricia Tuttle, the new director of the Berlinale, who highlighted Meissner’s integrity, great taste, and shrewd business sense. Tuttle emphasized Meissner’s unique combination of experience in sales and distribution with her ability to nurture new talent and support emerging trends in the industry. This blend of skills, anchored by a genuine passion for cinema, makes Meissner an ideal candidate to lead the Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market into the future.
Meissner’s career trajectory is a story of continuous growth and achievement. From her early days in film festival PR to her influential roles in film sales and acquisitions, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a deep love for cinema. Her latest appointment is not just a professional achievement but a personal milestone, reflecting her lifelong dedication to the film industry. As she takes on this new challenge, Meissner is poised to further enhance the Berlinale’s reputation as a leading platform for international cinema, supporting filmmakers, rights holders, distributors, cinemas, and audiences alike.
