The European Film Academy has made a significant change at the top: The multiple award-winning producer Ada Solomon became the new Chair of the Board has been elected. She succeeds predecessors who have shaped the strategic direction of the institution in recent years - Solomon is now taking on this central role in a phase in which the European film industry is facing major upheavals.
Solomon has been one of the most influential voices in European auteur film for years. With productions such as "Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn" (winner of the 2021 Golden Bear) or international co-productions such as "Toni Erdmann" she has played a decisive role in shaping the presence of Eastern European and independent productions on the world stage. Her election to the head of the Academy underlines the increasing importance of producers who not only advance European cinema artistically, but also structurally.
In her new role, Solomon will work closely with the Board and the Academy's management. Her key tasks include the further development of the European Film Awards, the strengthening of pan-European networking and education initiatives as well as the strategic positioning of the Academy in political debates on funding, copyright, diversity and the future of audiovisual content in Europe.
The appointment is seen in industry circles as a signal for a stronger opening towards Central and Eastern European film cultures, but also as a commitment to a modern, inclusive and industry-orientated understanding of the Academy. In initial statements, Solomon himself emphasised the importance of shared European perspectives and the need to make talents from all regions more visible.
Today, the European Film Academy represents over 4,000 filmmakers from all over Europe and is considered one of the most important institutions for networking and recognising European cinema. With Ada Solomon at the helm, the organisation could provide new impetus for co-productions, the promotion of young talent and European film policy in the coming years.