Berlinale Names Sata Cissokho New Head of World Cinema Fund Amid Leadership Shift

BERLINALE WORLD CINEMA FUND APPOINTS SATA CISSOKHO AS NEW CHIEF, VINCENZO BUGNO EXITS The Berlinale has announced the appointment of Sata Cissokho as the new head of its World Cinema Fund and Toolbox program, replacing Vincenzo Bugno. Cissokho, a former head of acquisitions at France's Paradise City Sales, brings extensive experience in film industry operations to her new role. According to sources close to the matter, Cissokho will oversee the World Cinema Fund's efforts to support the production and distribution of films from underrepresented regions worldwide. The fund focuses on backing theatrical projects that might otherwise go unmade, particularly those originating from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. In a statement, Berlinale's director of programming, Barbara Schlarmann, expressed enthusiasm for Cissokho's appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Sata Cissokho as our new head of the World Cinema Fund," she said. "Her expertise in film industry operations will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to our program." Cissokho succeeds Vincenzo Bugno, who has exited his position after a tenure marked by controversy surrounding the fund's decision-making processes. Bugno had been at the helm of the World Cinema Fund since 2018. The appointment of Cissokho comes as the Berlinale continues to expand its reach and influence within the global film community. The festival has long been committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, with initiatives such as the World Cinema Fund serving as a key component of this mission. As Cissokho takes on her new role, she will be tasked with navigating the complexities of international co-productions, negotiating funding agreements with governments and private investors, and fostering partnerships between filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Her appointment is seen as a significant step forward for the Berlinale's efforts to promote global cinematic diversity. In an interview, Cissokho emphasized her commitment to supporting emerging talent and championing underrepresented voices in cinema. "I am honored to join the Berlinale team," she said. "My goal is to ensure that our program continues to provide a platform for innovative storytelling from around the world." The World Cinema Fund has been instrumental in bringing attention to films that might otherwise remain overlooked by mainstream audiences. Cissokho's appointment marks a new chapter in the fund's history, with many anticipating her impact on the global film landscape. As the Berlinale prepares for its upcoming edition, industry insiders are eager to see how Cissokho will shape the World Cinema Fund's strategy and programming initiatives. With her extensive experience and passion for promoting cinematic diversity, Cissokho is poised to make a lasting impression on the world of international cinema. *Reporting by Variety.*