EFP European Film Promotion has appointed Irina Ignatiew-Lemke as managing director, taking over from Sonja Heinen on August 1, 2026.
Ignatiew-Lemke has worked in the European and international industry for more than 25 years, holding executive roles at Telepool, Red Arrow International and All3Media Fiction Deutschland, and previously working in international sales at Lionsgate Films in Los Angeles.
She has worked on projects including Lilyhammer, Bosch, The 100 Code, Cleverman and Wild Republic; and recently founded Munich-based production firm Boxworks Media, which works on internationally oriented scripted content.
Heinen will work with Ignatiew-Lemke on a handover during the summer, and will leave the managing director role at the end of July 2026, after 10 years in the position.
“Irina Ignatiew-Lemke combines deep industry knowledge with a truly international perspective,” said Vítor Pinheiro, president of European Film Promotion. She understands both the creative and business side of today’s global film landscape and has a strong sensibility for the diverse realities, structures and needs of EFP’s member countries.
“She brings an inclusive approach that recognises the richness and differences within the network and shares EFP’s strong belief in European collaboration. The board would also like to sincerely thank Sonja Heinen for her outstanding commitment and leadership over the past ten years.”
“European cinema has extraordinary creative strength, diversity and international relevance,” said Ignatiew-Lemke, adding that “EFP plays an important role in supporting films and talent internationally.”
EFP is a network of film promotion institutes from 37 European countries, representing European films and talent abroad.
Its initiatives include European Shooting Stars, the annual portfolio of 10 rising European actors presented annually during Berlin Film Festival.
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