Tine Fischer has been director of the National Film School of Denmark since 2021 and was previously CEO and founder of CPH:DOX, which became one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals under her leadership. She replaces Claus Ladegaard, who is stepping down after 18 years at the Danish Film Institute, the last 7 of which he was CEO.
Trine Nielsen, Chair of the Film Danish Institute’s Board, says:
‘With Tine Fischer, the Danish Film Institute gets a visionary and strategically strong leader with in-depth knowledge of the realities and challenges facing the film and media industry and experience developing strong culture-supporting organisations. Our ambition for the future is to strengthen cohesion both within the organisation and externally. We want to make the Danish Film Institute a powerhouse and an attractive meeting point for Danish cinema. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Tine Fischer.’
Tine Fischer says:
‘I am proud and grateful to be chosen as the director who, together with the film industry and talented employees, will lead the Danish Film Institute into a new era. Danish film has had a unique position at home and abroad for many years. As a film nation, we bring home awards from international festivals and rally an entire nation around Danish cinema. We have strong parliamentary support, an ambitious industry, and a unique growth layer. The reality is that digital media and the tech giants have changed the audience and the market. That’s why we need a clear, visionary, and unifying Film Institute. A modern cultural institution that sets the agenda and, not least, delivers the knowledge and innovation crucial to the future of Danish film. The Danish Film Institute should be Danish cinema’s central, unifying institution. The place where industry, development, and research meet, where the Cinematheque, communication, and talent development bring in new generational perspectives, where museums and archives find new ways to connect with children and young people, and where the international outlook is brought home to our backyard. There is a lot happening already, but there is potential for much more, and the rooftop terrace gives the institution a new and unique dimension.’
Tine Fischer is moving to the Danish Film Institute after three years as director of the National Film School of Denmark. She explains her motivation for the move as follows:
‘Only one institution in Danish film can gather, develop, and drive big change. The Danish Film Institute is that institution. I’ve been at the Film School for three years now. It’s a very special place that I will carry with me forever. For me, the transition to the Danish Film Institute is a natural extension of my work. I fundamentally believe that the films we support will never be better than the talent that applies and the companies that run the business. The Danish Film Institute has a large and important role to play at all levels, not least as an active player in relation to the huge potential of new generations. We must be curious and listen and make room for the innovation and diversity that is crucial for the future of Danish cinema.’
Tine Fischer will take up the position on 1 August 2024.