Congratulations to our Managing Director, Antonio Saura, for his election as board member of the European Film Awards, under the presidency of Agniezska Holland and Matthijs Wouter Knol.
“Whilst we welcome with open arms both Agnieszka and Matthijs,” says continuing EFA Chair Mike Downey, “the departure of Wim Wenders and Marion Döring will mark the end of an era for the Academy. This having been said – I know that I can speak for Wim, Marion and the Board, that the future of the Academy is assured with these two new appointments and that their experience and standing in the industry backed by a re-invigorated board membership bodes well in these increasingly mercurial times in which we live.”
Agnieszka Holland, having been the chairwoman of the EFA Board from to 2014 to 2019, now takes over from German director Wim Wenders who has been the president of the European Film Academy since 1996.
“The time is challenging and to save the creative power of independent cinema and the involvement of our audience, we need to use all our experience and imagination,” says Agnieszka Holland, “I believe there is an important role for EFA here and I am happy to be part of it.”
As already announced in May, former Director of the Berlinale’s European Film Market Matthijs Wouter Knol will take over from Marion Döring as EFA Director.
“I’m looking forward to steering the Academy into new, sustainable directions by strengthening its position within Europe throughout the year, by expanding the community that’s involved, and by making it a more inclusive space for all,” says Matthijs Wouter Knol, “The foundation laid by Wim Wenders and Marion Döring is a true gift, and working together with Agnieszka and Mike on new things to happen, is a wonderful blessing.” – Matthijs Wouter Knol
The members of the European Film Academy have also elected six new members to the EFA Board: Bettina Brokemper and Nina Hoss for Austria/Germany/Switzerland, Marta Donzelli for Italy, Ildikó Enyedi for Central & Eastern Europe, Leontine Petit for Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg and Antonio Saura for Spain/Portugal. Welcome!»
©EuropeanFilmAwards
