Berlinale appoints not one, but two new heads of festival
June 20, 2018
Dieter Kosslick, who has led the Berlinale since 2001, is being replaced in 2019 by Locarno's artistic director, Carlo Chatrian, and Mariette Rissenbeek, managing director of German Films.
Image: picture-alliance/KEYSTONE/T. Delley
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Italian Carlo Chatrian, who has been artistic director of the Locarno film festival since 2012, will become the new artistic director of the Berlinale as of 2019. Mariette Rissenbeek, the Dutch-born director of German Films, was appointed managing director. German Films is the national information and advisory center for the promotion of German films worldwide.
Monika Grütters, Germany's commissioner for culture and the media, officially revealed the names of the Berlinale's new joint leaders at a press conference on Friday. The pair will replace German Dieter Kosslick, who has headed the Berlinale since 2001.
In an interview with Germany's Zeit Online magazine last summer, Chatrian didn't seem to expect to be named for the role. While he said he considered the Berlinale to be one of the world's most exciting festivals, he didn't believe he would be chosen to direct it, as he doesn't speak German. He does however understand the language.
The Turin-born former journalist and film programmer has worked at the Locarno film festival since 2002, taking over as artistic director in 2012. His new position at the Berlinale means the Swiss festival will have to launch its own search for a new director.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Locarno International Film Festival features outdoor screenings, art cinema and lots of leopards. This year was hot and sunny, so visitors had to get creative to cool down.
Image: DW/J. Hitz
A festival for film buffs and connoisseurs
For 10 days in August, the charming city of Locarno in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland becomes the center of the international film world. Locarno is one of the most significant film festivals in Europe - following Cannes, Berlin and Venice. Here, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of watching movies outside, such as on the Piazza Grande shown above.
Image: Locarno Festival
Stars at the festival
Though fewer in numbers than at festivals like Cannes or Venice, big-name stars do make an appearance in Locarno each year. Among the celebrities walking across the red carpet this year were US actor Adrien Brody and film icon Nastassja Kinski, both of whom received an honorary award. The Golden Leopard for best film is shared equally by the winning director and producer.
Image: Locarno Festival/Marin Mikelin
A unique outdoor film experience
After the city's Grand Hotel was considered too small, the Piazza Grande became the heart of the festival in 1971. Heavy rains forced organizers back then to drill holes in the plastic chairs that had been set up for the viewers. Since summer storms are common in the region, festival regulars know to bring raincoats along.
Image: DW/J. Hitz
Appreciation for film d'auteur
Particularly popular at the Locarno festival are films that were directed and produced by one and the same person. Quite a few filmmakers started their career here, among them Spike Lee. When Jim Jarmusch (pictured) was invited to Locarno in 1984, he was already a famous filmmaker. His "Stranger than Paradise" won best debut film in Cannes, and was also awarded the Golden Leopard.
Image: Locarno Festival
Locarno celebrates its 70th anniversary
In its 70th anniversary year, a new location has been added to the festival - the so-called PalaCinema, a modern movie theater right next to the medieval Castello. The festival tries to attract young people from the region with a street fair. LaRotonda is particularly popular - even though it's located in the middle of a roundabout.
Image: DW/J. Hitz
German film in Locarno
German contributions enjoy a good reputation at the festival, with several German films usually running in both the jury and the audience competitions. Among the German filmmakers who have been awarded a Golden Leopard are Wolfgang Becker, Werner Herzog and Wim Wenders, who dressed up as a leopard himself when he received an honorary leopard in 2005.
Image: Locarno Festival
Sweating at the cinema
This year, fans are a particularly trendy accessory, including those with a festival-appropriate leopard design. Summer temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celcius during the first half of the festival, making the fans not just stylish but also very practical.
Image: DW/J. Hitz
Dolce vita in Locarno
Another way of cooling down in Locarno is to jump into the Lago Maggiore or the Maggia River between screenings. The region in Switzerland is a popular destination for tourists in the summer.
