European Film Academy Names First Chapter Leaders, Including ‘Fatherland’ Casting Director and Christopher Nolan’s Cinematographer
European Film Academy Appoints First Chapter Principals in Key Filmmaking Disciplines
The European Film Academy has taken a significant step in bolstering its support for European filmmaking by appointing its inaugural cohort of chapter principals across eight artistic disciplines. This initiative aims to enhance recognition for the diverse crafts that shape the continent’s cinema.
In 2025, the Academy plans to introduce chapters focused on critical roles including casting directors, cinematographers, composers, costume designers, editors, make-up and hair artists, production designers, and sound designers. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to the arts and crafts professions within the filmmaking community.
Selected by the European Film Academy’s Board, the chapter principals will serve as ambassadors for their respective fields. The appointed individuals include:
- Casting Director: Nina Haun
- Cinematographer: Hoyte van Hoytema
- Composer: Zbigniew Preisner
- Costume Designer: Pascaline Chavanne
- Editor: Yorgos Mavropsaridis
- Make-up Artist: Waldemar Pokromski
- Production Designer: Antxón Gómez Santander
- Sound Designer: Tarn Willers
These professionals are tasked with strengthening connections among members, elevating the visibility of their crafts, and fostering the growth of the European film community. The role of chapter principal is voluntary and honorary, recognizing individuals for their artistic achievements and contributions to the international film arena.
“The appointment of these first chapter principals is a natural and important next step following the introduction of member chapters last year,” said Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Academy Director. “Each of them represents excellence in their field of work, and the films they have contributed to highlight the immense richness of European cinema.”
Knol emphasized the Academy’s goal of enhancing the visibility and recognition of the many disciplines integral to European filmmaking. Through the support of these chapter principals, the Academy aims to cultivate a stronger sense of community among its members and stimulate dialogue and collaboration across Europe.
Each chapter principal brings a wealth of experience and acclaim in their respective fields. Nina Haun, the casting director from Germany, has worked on notable projects including Pawel Pawlikowski’s upcoming Fatherland and Ildiko Enyedi’s Silent Friend.
Hoyte van Hoytema, a Dutch cinematographer, is recognized for his collaborations with Christopher Nolan on films such as Interstellar and Oppenheimer, for which he received multiple prestigious awards.
Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner is celebrated for his work with director Krzysztof Kieślowski, contributing scores to influential films like The Double Life of Véronique and the Three Colours trilogy.
Pascaline Chavanne, a Belgian costume designer, is well-regarded for her partnerships with directors like Roman Polanski and François Ozon. Yorgos Mavropsaridis, a Greek editor, has edited over a hundred feature films, including The Favourite, which earned him multiple Oscar nominations.
Waldemar Pokromski, from Poland, is known for his extensive work on Oscar-winning films, while Antxón Gómez Santander has collaborated with Pedro Almodóvar on notable projects, including the Cannes contender Bitter Christmas.
Finally, UK sound designer Tarn Willers has a distinguished career spanning over two decades, receiving accolades in 2023 for his work on The Zone of Interest.
These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the European Film Academy, aligning with its mission to foster artistic excellence and collaboration within the European film industry.
