Berlinale 2024 | Why is Carlo Chatrian Stepping Down as Artistic Director?

The 74th Berlinale concluded successfully on February 25th with the announcement of the award winners. The Golden Bear for Best Picture went to the documentary Dahomey, directed by French filmmaker Mati Diop. The festival opened on February 15th, showcasing over 230 films from over 80 countries and regions. Despite facing numerous controversies and even protests, this year's Berlinale concluded satisfactorily, with directors, especially Carlo Chatrian, playing an indispensable role. However, this marks the final Berlinale for the duo in charge. As a Latin American, we may not be too familiar with him. This article will focus on his illustrious achievements as the artistic director of the Berlinale.

Carlo Chatrian's most notable experience includes serving on the selection committee for art films at the Locarno Film Festival from 2006 to 2009 and as the festival's curator from 2008 to 2018.

His First Berlinale & DAU

Carlo Chatrian was appointed as the new artistic director of the Berlinale in June 2018, and he jointly served as executive director with Mariette Rissenbeek starting in 2020. They succeeded Dieter Kosslick, who had served as the festival's director for a long time. The 70th Berlinale in 2020 was the first edition under Carlo Chatrian's leadership.

In the 2019 Thuringia state elections, Thomas Kemmerich of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) unexpectedly won by a slim margin with the support of the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD). This broke the previous practice of mainstream German parties refusing to cooperate with the AfD, sparking a public outcry. Germany's culture minister Monika Grütters addressed the issue, immediately stating at the opening ceremony of the 70th Berlinale that "The German people will never collaborate with 'this kind of Nazi power' again." The statement earned a standing ovation from the audience.

Although Berlinale has always been labeled as "political", the new artistic director, Carlo Chatrian, knew that the 70th anniversary of the festival required some changes.

And so came DAU. This film (it shouldn't even be called a film; it's an experimental movement) immerses the audience in the former Soviet world, where the characters feel like comrades, and viewers witness their happiness and struggles firsthand. From another perspective, it announces to Berlin, Europe, and the rest of the world: we are rethinking the Soviet Union, and we are usurping those who build walls.

In addition to its political themes, DAU boldly explores the boundaries and forms of cinema itself beyond politics, which was like dropping a bombshell for this film festival. With Brexit at the beginning of 2020 and the heated discussions between Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, and Vladimir Putin, DAU came at just the right time, showcasing Carlo Chatrian's bold and sharp decision.

In 2020, the Berlin International Film Festival was greatly influenced by topics such as DAU, more so than by themes like fascism, the pandemic, or gun violence. There was a widespread eagerness to see groundbreaking works, driven not just by political motivations but also by a genuine desire for reflective cinema. This focus was not only a response to those who erect barriers but also a contemplation on the future direction of the Berlinale.

From 2020 to 2023, under the artistic direction of Carlo Chatrian, the Berlinale continued its bold approach to film selection. Movies like DAU and Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn were included in the main competitive sections of the festival.

The 70th edition introduced a new competitive section called Encounters, dedicated to showcasing daring works by independent filmmakers and featuring a diverse range of narrative and documentary films. The competitive sections were streamlined, with all non-competitive subcategories being eliminated. Going forward, only films competing for the Golden Bear and Silver Bear awards will be eligible for the competitive sections, making the exhibition and competition at the Berlinale more focused and precise.

Why is He Leaving?

In September 2023, Germany's culture minister, Claudia Roth, announced a new management structure for the Berlin International Film Festival: abandoning the previous combination of an executive director and an artistic director and returning to having only a single leading director.

According to an interview with Carlo Chatrian on Variety in 2023, Chatrian made it clear the culture ministry's decision came as a complete surprise. “In March, I had a meeting with (Roth) where we agreed to renew my contract as artistic director. What was still to define was the structure of the leadership. I’ve always said that I was fine with other forms of governance, as long as my freedom in composing the program was preserved. The public announcement, on Aug 31, made me completely aware that the conditions for me to go on as artistic director after March 2024 were no longer there.” In Carlo Chatrain’s later full statement, he said that continuity could be facilitated if he remained part of the festival, but, in the new structure as presented, it is quite clear that the conditions for him to continue as Artistic Director no longer exist.

(*Based on subjective speculation) In Claudia Roth's position, firstly, with the annual decrease in the number of selected films, the joint responsibility system may no longer be necessary. Secondly, from a political standpoint, although there is no clear evidence, Carlo Chatrian's departure may involve political factors. Otherwise, Claudia Roth would not have issued a restructuring statement after he clearly expressed his willingness to stay. Thirdly, from Carlo Chatrian's standpoint, he may be aware that even if he insisted on staying, the freedom he previously indicated in participating and being responsible might be deprived. Considering these three conjectures, the conditions for Carlo Chatrian to continue serving are nonexistent, leaving him with no choice but to resign.

Before this, Mariette Rissenbeek had already decided not to extend her contract and would leave when it expired in March 2024. This means that the 74th edition of the festival, the fifth that's jointly supervised by executive director Mariette Rissenbeek and artistic director Carlo Chatrian, is their final one.

The Successor: Tricia Tuttle

Claudia Roth organized a six-member committee to search for the next director. Ultimately, they selected Tricia Tuttle, the former London Film Festival artistic director, to take on this vital role. She will officially take over as executive director after Mariette Rissenbeek and artistic director Carlo Chatrian leave their positions on April 1, 2024.

In conclusion, Carlo Chatrian's departure marks the end of an era characterized by bold film selections and a commitment to artistic expression at the Berlinale. As Tricia Tuttle steps into the role of executive director, there's anticipation for the festival's continued evolution and its impact on the global film community.