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Polish director Agnieszka Holland elected president of European Film Academy

10.12.2020 11:37
Polish director Agnieszka Holland has been elected the new president of the European Film Academy (EFA). She takes over from German director Wim Wenders, who has held the position since 1996.
Agnieszka Holland.
Agnieszka Holland. Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński

Commenting on the decision of the EFA’s 3,800 members, Holland said: “The time is challenging and to save the creative power of independent cinema and the involvement of our audience, we need to use all our experience and imagination. I believe there is an important role for EFA here and I am happy to be part of it.”

The European Film Academy was founded in 1988 by its first president, Swedish director Ingmar Bergman (The Seventh SealWild Strawberries), together with 40 other European film-makers. 

Its aim is to promote European film-making across the world. It sponsors the annual European Film Awards.

Holland’s early directorial successes included Provincial Actors and A Lonely Woman. Her international reputation was consolidated by films such as Europa, Europa and Olivier, Olivier.

Her credits also include A Secret GardenWashington SquareCopying Beethoven, In Darkness, and Mr. Jones. (mk/pk)