Berlinale Talents Names Tobias Pausinger as New Programme Manager
On October 1, 2024, Tobias Pausinger was appointed as the new Programme Manager of Berlinale Talents, a key initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival. Pausinger, a Berlinale Talents alumnus himself, will work alongside Project Manager Nikola Joetze, completing the dual leadership team of the programme. This appointment comes at a critical time as Berlinale Talents continues to evolve as a leading platform for nurturing creative talent in the global film industry.
Pausinger has built an extensive career in film and creative industries, holding roles across film production, financing, licensing, acquisitions, international sales, and public policy. He has been instrumental in securing multi-award-winning films for international sales at Bavaria Film International and The Match Factory. Pausinger’s background also includes co-founding the Art
initiative, which supports the intersection of artistic cinema and visual arts. His diverse experience is expected to provide valuable strategic direction to Berlinale Talents as it adapts to a rapidly changing industry.
Tanja Meissner, Director of Berlinale Pro*, expressed enthusiasm for Pausinger’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Tobias to the Berlinale Pro* team! With 20 years of experience across diverse roles, Tobias has built a reputation for driving high-level creative projects, demonstrating strong commitment to nurturing artistic cinema and dedication to fostering talent. We are excited to tap into his great wealth of knowledge and extensive network within the international film industry to provide strategic direction in programme development as we continue to expand Berlinale Talents.”
Pausinger, reflecting on his new role, shared: “As a proud Talents alumnus, I have closely followed and admired the programme's evolution over the past twenty years. I am truly impressed by the incredible and inspiring hub that the dedicated team has created. In today's politically turbulent world and within our rapidly changing industry, it is more important than ever for creatives to have a brave and safe space where they can develop their ideas, network, enhance their skills, and inspire one another. I am both humbled and thrilled to join this remarkable team and to collaboratively advance the programme further.”
Pausinger succeeds Florian Weghorn, who was promoted to Chief of Staff in July 2024. His leadership will coincide with the upcoming Berlinale Talents event, scheduled to take place from February 15-20, 2025, which has already garnered over 3,800 applications from film professionals worldwide. The final selection of participants will be announced in January, following the notification of selected individuals in mid-December.