Names in the News

Aki Kaurismäki has received the honorary title of Academician of Arts. The title is given to persons of outstanding merit representing science and arts. The title can be held by a maximum of eight artists at any one time and the Arts Council of Finland nominated Kaurismäki following the death of Rauni Mollberg.

Henrik Bo Nielsen, the Danish Film Institute's CEO, is appointed Chairman of the European Think Tank on Film and Film Policy. Henrik Bo Nielsen replaces Anders Geertsen.

Stig Andersen is new documentary film consultant at the Norwegian Film Institute. He is an experienced director and producer and comes from a position as head of the documentary production of Nordisk Film. Stig Andersen is succeeding Bodil Cold-Ravnkilde.

Nils Klevjer Aas, Norway, is elected new Vice Chairman in Eurimages. He is senior consultant at the Norwegian Film Institute and has been the Norwegian representative in Eurimages since 2000.

Henrik Thorson is the new managing director at Film i Värmland. He's succeeding Ulf Nordström.

Olav Øen from Monster and Guri Neby from Einar Film & Fortellinger are new representatives in the Norwegian Producers' Association. They replace Thomas Robsahm from Speranza Film and Helene Hovda Lunde from Monster Commercials.

Michaelle McLean has stepped down as director of the Toronto Documentary Forum, a post she has held since the event's inception nine years ago. The forum has grown during her time as director to become North America's biggest pitching event for the international documentary community. Michaele McLean has stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities, but she will continue her association with Hot Docs.

Roberto Olla, Italy, has been oppointed new Executive Secretary for Eurimages. He comes from a position as administrator of co-production applications at Eurimages.

Thierry Garrel, who has been head of Arte France's documentary department, has qiut the channel after 21 years. He's taking up a job in a multi media project. Thierry Garrel will be replaced by his deputy for the last 13 years, Pierrette Ominetti.

To see the Names in the News 2008 Archive, click here.