Jul 07, 2026
In Memory of Moritz de Hadeln

With the passing of Moritz de Hadeln, the international film community has lost one of its most influential and respected figures. As a festival director, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for cinema, he played a pivotal role in shaping European and international film culture over several decades.

Born in Exeter, England, in 1940, de Hadeln began his career in photography and documentary filmmaking before turning to festival management. Together with his wife, Erika de Hadeln, he founded the documentary film festival in Nyon, Switzerland, in 1969. The festival, now known as Visions du Réel, was jointly directed by the couple until 1979.

Moritz de Hadeln gained international recognition through his leadership of some of the world’s most important film festivals. After serving as Director of the Locarno Film Festival from 1972 to 1979, he became Director of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), a position he held from 1980 to 2001. During his twenty-one-year tenure, he transformed the Berlinale into one of the leading meeting places for the global film industry. At a time of profound political change, he succeeded in building bridges between East and West while giving the festival a distinctive international profile. He was also instrumental in establishing the European Film Market (EFM), which remains one of the most important marketplaces for the international film industry today.

From 2002 to 2003, de Hadeln served as Director of the Venice International Film Festival. Throughout his career and beyond, he remained a highly respected advisor, a discoverer of new cinematic talent, and a committed ambassador for the art of film. His work was characterized by curiosity, openness to the world, and a deep belief in the power of cinema to connect people across cultures and borders.

Moritz de Hadeln inspired, supported, and accompanied generations of filmmakers. His name will forever be associated with some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. The international film community has lost a visionary whose passion, dedication, and influence extended far beyond the screen.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy will continue to live on in the world of cinema.