In a surprising move, Jan Vandierendonck has announced that he will be quitting his position as Executive Secretary of Eurimages. He is expected to step down in April or May. His replacement is likely to be confirmed by autumn 2008.

Vandierendonck was appointed to the post of Eurimages Executive Secretary in January 2006.

In an interview with Screen International today, Vandierendonck confirmed his decision and insisted that he was leaving voluntarily. 'Now I want to go back to film-making,' he commented.

'I am not a civil servant. I have never been a civil servant. It is true that it is not easy for a non civil servant to come and work in an organisation with 2000 people,' Vandierendonck stated.

Eurimages is the Council of Europe fund for the co-production, distribution and exhibition of European cinematographic works. Set up in 1988 as a Partial Agreement it currently has 33 Member States.

Vandierendonck is now planning to buy back his stake in Belgian production company Epeios and resume his career as a film-maker.