Tricia Tuttle Appoints Michael Stütz and Jacqueline Lyanga as Co-Directors of Film Programming and Announces Other New Executive Director Positions

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Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle has made a significant move in the festival's leadership by appointing Michael Stütz and Jacqueline Lyanga as Co-Directors of Film Programming. This new structure will see them share responsibilities, bringing their extensive expertise and international experience to the Berlinale. Jacqueline Lyanga, a former US-delegate to the Berlinale, and Michael Stütz, who has been the head of the Panorama section, will start their new roles in July. Stütz will continue to lead Panorama in addition to his new responsibilities.

Tricia Tuttle expressed her enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, "Michael and Jacqueline bring a strong and complementary combination of skills and networks, and they are both hugely smart, collaborative creative leaders as well as passionate, generous cinephiles. I can’t wait to work alongside them to shape dynamic Berlinale film programmes."

Jacqueline Lyanga shared her excitement about joining the Berlinale team: "It’s exciting to be joining the Berlinale team as the Co-Director of Film Programming as the festival prepares to celebrate its 75th edition next February. I look forward to collaborating with the team as we build the festival’s future. It’s a thrill to join Tricia Tuttle and Michael Stütz in programming an international film festival with one of the largest public audiences in the world."

Michael Stütz also expressed his enthusiasm: "I am looking forward to this new adventure, overseeing Panorama alongside this expanded role as Co-Director of Film Programming. I would like to thank Tricia Tuttle for her trust and I am especially looking forward to working with Tricia and Jacqueline Lyanga, the section heads and all my colleagues. We are excited to continue to make Berlinale an excellent place to launch great cinema from around the world."

The Co-Directors of Film Programming will work closely with Tricia Tuttle to curate the Competition and Berlinale Special sections, including the Berlinale Special Gala. They will also lead the wider team in shaping the overall film selection for the festival.

Tricia Tuttle also announced a new governance structure for the Berlinale, designed to strengthen cooperation, improve efficiency, and enhance communication and strategic planning.

In addition to the new Co-Directors of Film Programming, the following executive positions have been announced:

Florian Weghorn, a seasoned Berlinale colleague with several curatorial and management positions since 2002, will become the Berlinale’s first Chief of Staff starting July 1. Currently the co-head of Berlinale Talents, Weghorn's new role will support Tricia Tuttle in communicating the festival’s strategies internally and with key external stakeholders.

Tommy Kommer, an expert in corporate finance in the cultural sector, will become the Director of Finance and Business Operations. This role will also involve supporting the management of the administration and IT departments.

Miriam Reimers will assume a new role (details about her position were not included in the provided text).

These changes aim to reinforce the Berlinale's standing as a premier international film festival and enhance its ability to deliver outstanding cinematic experiences.