Ex-Eurimages executive secretary RenateRoginas has been named Artistic Director for the first St. Petersburg InternationalFilm Festival in July.

Roginas, who has been appointed toa five-year contract, wants to see the festival become 'a bridge from Russiato Europe and also to the rest of the world. I think itwill be important to have the industry such as distributors, TV buyers andworld sales agents present.' 'We will be working with the Hermitage on thestaging of the festival and I would like to create something like a gallery withdifferent styles,' added Roginas, who is looking to collaboratewith the Berlinale's Kinderfilmfestand European Film Promotion on special events.

The festival will have an official competition section of 18world premieres competing for the 'Golden Angel' statuette and $100,000promotion support as well as Silver Angels for Best Director, BestActor/Actress.

The new festival, which will have a budget of between $8m-10m, is the brainchild of businessman, Mark Rudinsthein.