Confirming weeks of rumours, Spain's Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Pilar del Castillo, announced yesterday that Jose Luis Gonzalez Quiros will replace Jose Maria Otero as the new general director for the country's cinema institute, ICAA (Instituto de la Cinematografia y las Artes Audiovisuales).

Sources at the Ministry confirm that Gonzalez Quiros, a professor of philosophy, is currently the only known candidate for the position but that his appointment has not yet been confirmed. That could happen as soon as this Friday.

Popular among local industryites for his veteran experience and firm commitment to the Spanish cinema sector, Otero has held the top position at ICAA since 1996.