Dieter Kosslick (*1948, Germany) has been director of the Berlin International Film Festival since 2001. After studying communications studies, politics and education in Munich he remained there as research assistant. In 1983 he began his work in film promotion, first as director of cultural film promotion in Hamburg  (Hamburger Filmbüro), and in 1988 as director of financial film promotion of the Hanseatic city (Film Fonds Hamburg). In the same year he became co-founder of the  European Film Distribution Office (EFDO) president of the European leasing organisation, the subsequent EU MEDIA programme, a position he held until 1996. In 1992 as managing director he took over the management of NRW Film Foundation. His commitment to film and culture, including in the European Film Academy, EFA, which awards the European Film Prize each year, has been honoured with numerous prizes and honorary awards.