Sata Cissokho

Source: © DanfromParis

Sata Cissokho

The Berlinale has appointed Sata Cissokho as the new head of the World Cinema Fund (WCF) and Toolbox Programme.

Cissokho joins from Paris-based Paradise City Sales, where she was responsible for selecting projects and nurturing emerging filmmakers.

In the newly integrated role, Cissokho will oversee the World Cinema Fund and the Toolbox programme of the Berlinale’s European Film Market (EFM). Both are Berlinale Pro initiatives that support underrepresented artistic voices.

Cissokho steps into the role this month, with immediate focus on the Toolbox Programme and with a transition into WCF leadership through the autumn.

Current WCF head Vincenzo Bugno completes his tenure at the end of 2025 after 21 years in the role.

The World Cinema Fund will continue its role in funding projects from regions with fragile film infrastructures. Toolbox will complement this by providing professional training, mentorship, and practical tools for underrepresented film professionals. Both initiatives are funded by the Creative Europe Media strand.

At Paradise, Cissokho helped to build international recognition for directors such as Gabriel Mascaro, Pedro Pinho, Haifaa Al-Mansour, Małgorzata Szumowska, Chaitanya Tamhane, Lemohang Mosese and Baloji.

She has also served on numerous film commissions, selection committees and juries, including for the French CNC Aide aux cinémas du monde, Marrakech Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops, Rotterdam’s CineMart, and the New Dawn fund. She has also been a mentor, workshop leader and industry expert for initiatives such as the Cannes’ Producers Network, TorinoFilmLab, EAVE and Creative Producer Indaba.

To date, the WCF has funded 370 projects through different schemes, from Asghar Farahdi’s A Separation to this year’s Un Certain Regard winner The Mysterious Gaze Of The Flamingo by Diego Céspedes.

Established in 2022, Toolbox supports producers from countries underrepresented in the international film industry. Toolbox alumni include Leah Baker, producer of this year Caméra d’Or winner The President’s Cake.

Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro, said: “Sata Cissokho’s unparalleled experience and dedication make her the ideal person to lead the next chapter of the WCF and the Toolbox Programme.”

Cissokho said: “The World Cinema Fund has been a leading force behind diversity in the global cinema landscape, defending urgent films with a strong artistic, political and cultural impact, and I am honoured and excited to take over its leadership.”

Topics