Mariette Rissenbeek

Mariette Rissenbeek is a Dutch film executive and cultural manager renowned for her leadership of one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. She served as the Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, commonly known as the Berlinale, from 2019 to 2024, co-leading the event with Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian. Her career spans decades in international film promotion, having held significant positions at German Films and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, where she was instrumental in shaping the global profile of German cinema.

Early life and education

Born in 1956 in Amsterdam, Mariette Rissenbeek grew up in the Netherlands. She pursued higher education at the University of Amsterdam, where she studied German studies and art history, laying an academic foundation for her future work at the intersection of German culture and the visual arts. Her academic focus on German language and cultural history provided critical context for her subsequent deep engagement with the film industry in Germany.

Career

Rissenbeek's professional journey began in the field of cultural exchange and film promotion. In the early 1990s, she joined German Films, the national information and advisory center for the promotion of German cinema worldwide. She ascended to become the Managing Director of the organization, a role she held for over two decades. In this capacity, she was pivotal in organizing international presentations for German films at major festivals like the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Venice Film Festival. Prior to her film-focused work, she gained experience in cultural diplomacy with the Federal Foreign Office in Bonn and Berlin.

Berlin International Film Festival leadership

In June 2018, Rissenbeek was appointed as the future Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, succeeding Dieter Kosslick. She officially began her term in 2019, forming a new dual leadership team with Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian. Her tenure was immediately challenged by the global COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the festival to pivot to a hybrid format in 2021. She successfully steered the Berlinale through this period, overseeing the integration of a robust online platform while maintaining the festival's status as a major industry event alongside Cannes and Venice. Key initiatives during her leadership included strengthening the European Film Market and expanding the festival's reach through the Berlinale Series section. She concluded her mandate after the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in 2024.

Other roles and activities

Beyond her central role at the Berlinale, Rissenbeek has served on numerous juries and advisory boards within the international film community. She has been a juror for events such as the Locarno Festival and has contributed to committees for the German Film Academy. Her expertise is frequently sought by institutions like the Goethe-Institut and she has been involved in initiatives with Eurimages and the European Film Academy. Following her departure from the Berlinale, she continues to be active as a consultant and advisor for various cultural and cinematic projects across Europe.

Personal life

Mariette Rissenbeek maintains a relatively private personal life. She is married and has lived primarily in Berlin for many years, alongside significant periods in Munich during her tenure with German Films. Fluent in multiple languages including Dutch, German, English, and French, her personal and professional life reflects a deep commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and the arts.

Category:Dutch film executives Category:Berlin International Film Festival directors Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:University of Amsterdam alumni