On 1 July, Wiebke Wiesner took over as managing director of MFG Baden-Württemberg. She succeeds Carl Bergengruen, who had been at the helm of the state’s film and media company since 2013.

Wiesner is moving from Produktionsallianz to Stuttgart, where she most recently served as legal counsel and deputy managing director. A lawyer by profession, she has many years’ experience in the film and media industry as well as in association work, and is regarded as having a strong professional network.

On taking office, Wiesner described Baden-Württemberg as one of Germany’s leading film and media hubs. The MFG embodies the integration of film and cinema funding, the cultural and creative industries, and digital culture. She intends to draw on her experience to further develop the region and, together with industry stakeholders, provide fresh impetus for the south-west.

The new managing director also received support from the state government. Minister-President Cem Özdemir emphasised the importance of the MFG in promoting talent, innovation and creative value creation. Petra Olschowski, Minister for Science, highlighted Wiesner’s industry expertise and her network, and believes she is the right person to further develop Baden-Württemberg as a film and media hub.

According to the MFG, Wiesner intends to seek dialogue with filmmakers, producers, cinemas, associations, funding recipients, and political and institutional partners during the first 100 days of her term of office. The aim is to work with the MFG team to develop a sustainable strategy for the future development of Baden-Württemberg as a film and media hub.