On January 1, 2025, the new dual leadership will take office: Curator and author Madeleine Bernstorff and event manager Susannah Pollheim will take over as managing directors for the artistic and commercial direction of the renowned festival, respectively. Both have long been connected to the Short Film Festival in various roles.
Madeleine Bernstorff has been a member of the competition selection committee of the International Short Film Festival since 2000 and has curated various profile programs for the festival, such as those on Joyce Wieland, Jayne Parker, or Nicolás Echevarría. In 2008, the author, publicist, and lecturer was also responsible for the large thematic program "Border Crossers and Troublemakers" focusing on political short films. She is now looking forward to further developing the festival in Oberhausen both in content and programming. "I will use my new role to continue strengthening the radiance of this distinctive and unique short film festival," says Bernstorff.
Working alongside her is the designated commercial manager Susannah Pollheim. After her studies, the native of Oberhausen worked for a long time in the cultural sector in the Ruhr area. Since 2019, she has been leading the organization of the Short Film Festival and will now also take on the commercial management of the festival. According to Daniel Schranz, Mayor of the City of Oberhausen, with the departure of Lars Henrik Gass, it is important to ensure the continuity of the Short Film Festival, one of the largest and oldest cultural showcases of the city. The chances are at least good that this will succeed with the two festival insiders.
