25/09/2008

Carmelo Romero has been named the new director of the Malaga Spanish Film Festival, replacing Salomón Castiel, who has headed the festival since its first edition 11 years ago.

The new president has 50 years of experience in the sector and headed the Seminci - Valladolid Film Festival in 1974, 1975 and 1978. Already part of the Malaga team, Romero was previously in charge of the festival’s film market.

After learning of his appointment, the director told the local press: “The Malaga Festival has thus far been successful and I won’t make any radical changes, just a few alterations”.

He continued: “This is a good time to take over the direction. After only 11 years, the festival has achieved prominence and established itself as one of the largest events of its kind in Spain. Its progress has been impressive. Today it is a festival of reference for other more long-standing festivals. I thank Castiel and his wonderful team who leave the legacy of a prestigious event, enabling us to work with firm foundations for the future”.

Romero’s broad experience includes his position as assistant director of the ICAA (Institute of Film and Audiovisual Arts) – which is dependent on the Culture Ministry – from 1978-2000. During that time, he coordinated Spanish participation in major events such as the Cannes, Berlin and Venice Film Festivals.

In 1998, he became the first Spaniard to receive the Golden Camera at the Berlin Film Festival, an award previously bestowed on director Steven Spielberg and actresses Jeanne Moreau and Meryl Streep.

The new director will make his debut with the 12th edition of the festival, to be held from April 17-25, 2009.