30/04/2013 - At the beginning of September, the journalist will take over from Régine Hatchondo as General Director of the promotion agency for French cinema abroad

Isabelle Giordano (aged 49) was appointed yesterday as General Director of Unifrance, the promotion agency for French cinema abroad. She will take over from Régine Hatchondo, who has occupied this position since 2009 and who is to take over the management of Cultural Affairs for the City of Paris. Isabelle Giordano will officially take office at the beginning of September, during the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals.

Editor-in-chief, journalist, producer and host, especially for cinema programmes (Le Journal du Cinéma, Allons au cinéma ce week end, Le Fabuleux Destin de..., Une année à Cannes, Jour de fête etc.) for about twenty years, on television (Canal+, Arte, France 2 and France 3) and radio (France Inter), Isabelle Giordano is a well-known figure in the French cinema industry. She has also written, among other things, a biography of Romy Schneider and created the organization Cinéma pour tous, which organizes film screenings in deprived areas. She was also vice-president of the CNC's commission for subsidies for the distribution of films for young audiences.

Contacted by Cineuropa, the President of Unifrance, Jean-Paul Salomé, commended this appointment. “Her knowledge of artistic talent is an important asset. Isabelle Giordano is quite close to directors and actors. She has an interesting profile. She notably produced a show called Service public on France Inter and I like her desire to serve the general interest. She is also widely familiar with political networks at a high level. And at a time when French cinema is regarded with a slightly distrustful eye by the political world in general, it is important to defend our ideas by having someone who has connections, a network, and at the same time the ability with which to express important things gently but firmly. This will blend well with my character and help to defend the cause of Unifrance very effectively.”   

(Translated from French)