Filmfestival: Former Berlinale Chief Moritz de Hadeln Dies

Moritz de Hadeln, a towering figure in international film culture and former director of the Berlinale, has passed away at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by his biographer, Christian Jungen, who is also the head of the Zurich Film Festival.

De Hadeln led the Berlin International Film Festival for two decades, from 1979 to 2001. His extensive career also included directing the prestigious film festivals in Locarno and Venice. The Berlinale expressed its grief on Instagram, remembering him as a "passionate advocate for cinema."

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passionate advocate for cinema

During his tenure, de Hadeln significantly shaped the Berlinale's international profile. The festival noted his crucial role in fostering dialogue across borders during a period of profound political change and his key contribution to establishing the European Film Market, a vital industry hub.

Born in Exeter, England, in 1940, de Hadeln held Swiss citizenship. He began his festival leadership in Locarno before moving to Berlin, then a divided city. Under his direction, the Berlinale eventually relocated from its historic venue near the Zoo to Potsdamer Platz. His successor at the Berlinale, Dieter Kosslick, also served for approximately two decades. De Hadeln later spent two years leading the Venice Film Festival. Jungen's 2018 biography, "Moritz de Hadeln – Mister Filmfestival," documented his life and career, with the two remaining in contact until de Hadeln's death.

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In a time of profound political change, de Hadeln fostered dialogue across borders, strengthened the festival's international profile, and played a key role in establishing the industry market European Film Market.