Berlin Film Festival Appoints Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stütz as Co-Directors of Film Programming
The Berlin Film Festival, commonly known as Berlinale, has announced the appointment of Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stütz as co-directors of film programming. This decision is part of a significant restructuring of the festival’s executive team under the leadership of newly appointed Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle.
Lyanga and Stütz will collaborate closely with Tuttle to curate the Competition and Berlinale Special sections, including the Berlinale Special Gala. Additionally, they will oversee the broader film selection process, ensuring the festival's programming remains diverse and dynamic. Michael Stütz will continue his responsibilities as head of the Panorama section, a role he has held with distinction.
The executive reshuffle at Berlinale also includes three pivotal new appointments aimed at strengthening the festival’s governance structure. Florian Weghorn, a seasoned Berlinale executive, will become the festival’s first chief of staff starting July 1. Weghorn has been a part of Berlinale since 2002, holding various curatorial and managerial roles, most recently serving as the programme manager for Berlinale Talents. The festival is set to begin the search for his successor soon.
Tommy Kommer joins the team as the director of finance and business operations. His role will encompass supporting the administration and IT departments, ensuring smooth financial and operational management.
Miriam Reimers has been named the director of programme operations and production. She will be responsible for implementing the audience programme, refining the festival’s long-term venue strategy, and overseeing production and security services at the Berlinale Palast and other cinemas. Her role also includes managing accreditation and protocol.
The festival is currently seeking a director of communications and brand. This new position will focus on developing a crisis communication strategy and managing the festival’s brand reputation.
“One of my major objectives is to revitalise the ways in which Berlinale connects to a sense of place, to take advantage of our incredible home city,” said Tricia Tuttle. “If we can do this while also building stronger links between the public film programme and the European Film Market and the marketplace, we can make the festival even more impactful for audiences and also the important films, filmmakers and rights holders who trust us with their premieres.”
Jacqueline Lyanga, appointed as the US delegate to the Berlinale in 2022, has strengthened the festival’s ties with the US film industry through her role. She has been instrumental in scouting films and organizing the Berlinale’s US West Coast screening tours.
This new executive structure is designed to enhance cooperation, efficiency, communication, and strategic planning within the festival. The Berlinale aims to build on its rich legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of the global film industry.