Sandra den Hamer has been promoted to the position of co-director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, alongside current director Simon Field.

Den Hamer, who was formerly deputy director at the festival, is expected to focus on the administrative side of the operation as well as its Hubert Bals Fund for third-world film-makers.

The move is designed to free up Field to spend more time on strengthening the event's programming.

In addition, Ido Abram, co-ordinator of the festival's Cinemart co-production event, is to combine his job with new responsibilities including overseeing local and international PR. He will work alongside marketing and communications chief Carlie Janszen and a soon-to-be-appointed new media co-ordinator.

Former Rotterdam press officer Juliette Jansen will oversee the festival's distribution and educational activities, including the World Cinema Tour and the Rotterdam Course, while Gerwin Tamsma has been appointed research co-ordinator in charge of the festival catalogue. Tamsma will also remain involved in the programming of the festival.

Finally Rene van der Giessen has been appointed programme co-ordinator, following the departure of Mirjam Klootwijk, who recently left after seven years with the festival.

The 30th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam will take place January 24-February 4, 2001. Apart from celebrating the festival's 30th anniversary, the 2001 edition will also be the first major event of Rotterdam's Cultural Capital of Europe programme.