Carlo Chatrian to Resign as Artistic Director of Berlin International Film Festival

by Gabriel Martinez
6 comments
Carlo Chatrian Resignation

Carlo Chatrian, the Artistic Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, confirmed this past Saturday that he will be resigning from his role next year. This announcement comes in the wake of Germany’s Culture Minister, Claudia Roth, unveiling a revamped management framework for the prestigious event.

Chatrian assumed co-leadership of the Berlin International Film Festival, colloquially known as “Berlinale,” in 2019. He served alongside Executive Director Mariette Rissenbeek, succeeding the festival’s long-standing director, Dieter Kosslick. Berlinale is considered one of the premier film festivals in Europe, comparable to those in Cannes and Venice.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Rissenbeek had opted not to renew her contract, which is set to expire in March 2024. On Thursday, Culture Minister Claudia Roth announced that a decision had been reached to transition the festival back to a single-leader structure. Roth’s office disclosed that a committee is being constituted to search for the next festival leader, and Chatrian had expressed willingness to engage in “constructive discussions about a potential role in the restructured Berlinale team.”

However, a statement released on the festival’s official website on Saturday conveyed that Chatrian has chosen not to continue in his position. “I had initially thought that my continued involvement would offer a sense of stability to the festival, but given the newly outlined organizational format, it is evident that the prerequisites for my role as Artistic Director have fundamentally changed,” he stated.

“The upcoming festival edition will thus mark the conclusion of this fulfilling chapter of my career.”

The 74th iteration of the Berlin International Film Festival is slated to take place from February 15-25, 2024.

Prior to his tenure in Berlin, Chatrian, aged 51, served as the Artistic Director for the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Carlo Chatrian Resignation

What prompted Carlo Chatrian to resign as the Artistic Director of the Berlin International Film Festival?

Carlo Chatrian decided to step down following the announcement by Germany’s Culture Minister, Claudia Roth, of a new management structure for the festival. The revamped framework entails transitioning back to a single-leader model.

Who will be leading the Berlin International Film Festival after Carlo Chatrian?

A commission is being established to search for a new leader for the festival. The aim is to transition the Berlinale back to being led and represented by one individual.

When is Mariette Rissenbeek’s contract expiring?

Mariette Rissenbeek, the Executive Director alongside Carlo Chatrian, has chosen not to extend her contract, which will expire in March 2024.

What was the reaction of the Culture Minister to the changes in the Berlinale leadership?

Culture Minister Claudia Roth announced that officials have decided that the Berlin International Film Festival “should in the future once again be led and represented by one person.” A commission is being formed to identify a suitable leader.

When is the next edition of the Berlin International Film Festival scheduled?

The 74th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to run from February 15-25, 2024.

What was Carlo Chatrian’s role before joining the Berlin International Film Festival?

Before his appointment in Berlin, Carlo Chatrian, aged 51, was the Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

More about Carlo Chatrian Resignation

  • Berlin International Film Festival Official Website
  • Claudia Roth’s Announcement on New Management Structure
  • Profile of Carlo Chatrian
  • Previous Leadership of Berlinale: Dieter Kosslick
  • Overview of Major European Film Festivals
  • Locarno Film Festival Official Website

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6 comments

MovieBuff101 September 2, 2023 - 6:16 pm

Can’t wait to see who they pick as the new leader. The 74th edition is going to be something to watch out for, with all these changes.

Reply
JohnSmith September 2, 2023 - 11:00 pm

Wow, big shakeup in Berlinale leadership! Didn’t see that one comin, especially after Rissenbeek’s announcement earlier this year.

Reply
CinephileX September 3, 2023 - 12:16 am

Chatrian was great in Locarno, hate to see him go. wonder what’s next for him.

Reply
EllaQ September 3, 2023 - 1:23 am

Culture Minister’s decision will make or break the next festival. Fingers crossed they choose wisely.

Reply
SarahJ September 3, 2023 - 3:32 am

Is it just me or is the single-leader model a step backwards? Team leadership has its merits, ya know.

Reply
AlexM September 3, 2023 - 4:39 am

What’s the hurry in restructuring? Chatrian and Rissenbeek just got in. Seems like the higher-ups cant make up their minds.

Reply

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