Veteran European film director Tanja Meissner has been appointed the new director of Berlinale Pro*, a newly created position that includes leading the Berlin Film Festival'S European film market.
New Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlin Film Festival announced Meissner's appointment on Friday, May 10, describing the Berlinale Pro* position as “a reformed role [encompassing] the directorship of the European Film Market (EFM) while taking strategic leadership in the development of the Berlinale Pro consortium, together with the heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund.” Meissner reports directly to Tuttle.
Meissner takes over the baton at the EFM from Dennis Ruh, which confirmed late last year that the Berlinale would not renew his contract.
Meissner brings more than 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of the activities of European independent cinema. Her resume includes long stints at French outfit Memento Films International – where she was EVP of sales and acquisitions from 2007 to 2021 – and Celluloid Dreams, where she was head of sales from 2000 to 2007. Meissner, a German-French national, will take over her new job on May 13 and attend the Cannes Film Festival with the Berlinale team.
Meissner “is extremely highly regarded in the international film industry for her integrity, great taste and savvy business sense,” Tuttle said. “She offers a rare combination of top-level experience in sales and distribution, while also combining this with insight into how to nurture new talent and support green shoots in the industry. All this is anchored by a sincere and deep passion for cinema. I would like to use our platforms at the Berlinale to support the entire ecosystem, from filmmakers and rights holders to distributors, cinemas and audiences. And I can't think of a better first Executive appointment to help make this happen.”
Meissner said she holds the Berlinale “deeply in my heart,” noting that her first job in the industry was as a guest relations officer for the Berlinale's Panorama sidebar. “Over the years I have participated in the festival in various capacities, such as team member, industry representative or guest, combining a perhaps unusual 360° perspective. This new chapter brings together everything I am passionate about and have developed over the years.”
Tuttle, former director of the BFI London Film Festival, replaced outgoing co-directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek as sole head of the Berlinale. Her first festival will be the 75th Berlinale, taking place from February 13 to 23, 2005.