Mariette Rissenbeek at the closing ceremony of the Berlinale 2023 Photo: picture alliance / Geisler-Fotopress
By Sebastian Bauer
The 67-year-old will step down after the 2024 festival edition. Meanwhile, the contract with her co-director Carlo Chatrian is to be extended.
The next Berlinale will be her last: festival director and managing director Mariette Rissenbeek (67) will not extend her contract, which expires in March 2024.
When she reaches retirement age, she wants to devote herself to new topics and tasks, says the supervisory board of the federal cultural events in Berlin (KBB). Rissenbeek’s decision was noted with great regret and respect.
“Ms. Rissenbeek has done a great job at the Berlinale, especially during the years of the Corona pandemic,” said Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (67, Greens). “The fact that the festival was able to take place every year despite all the restrictions is thanks to their tireless work.”
At the same time, the KBB supervisory board asked Claudia Roth to hold talks about extending the contract with artistic director Carlo Chatrian.
Mariette Rissenbeek took over the management of the Berlinale 2020 together with Carlo Chatrian. She is the first woman to head the film festival.