Abigail replaces Ana Ayesta as head of sales at Independent, the international sales and production company established by Luc Roeg.

Walsh, who was previously director of sales at Goldcrest Films, will work alongside managing director Andrew Orr and head of marketing Sarah Goodwin, heading the company's sales operations.

The first round of films she will represent include David Mackenzie's Berlin Silver Bear winner Hallam Foe, documentary In Search of Diego, Marc Munden's The Mark of Cain and Paul Andrew Williams' acclaimed London To Brighton.

Luc Roeg said of the appointment: 'Abigail brings a great combination of experience and enthusiasm to the job and we are all delighted she has chosen to join us at Independent.'

Said Abigail: 'I am delighted to join the expanding Independent team and am looking forward to working with a talented and ambitious group of people on such a strong and distinct slate of movies.'

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