17/10/2002

Gianni Massaro has resigned as president of Eurimages, the Council of Europe's fund for the co-production, distribution and exhibition of European cinematographic and audiovisual products.
He was in his second term in office and his contract was due to expire in 2003. Massaro stepped down after a disagreement over the decision by the Secretary General of the Consiglio d'Europa, Austria's Walter Schwimmer, to renew Renate Roginas as executive secretary of Eurimages. The managing Council of Eurimages unanimously approved a resolution that states "it is unacceptable that this nomination was passed without any formal consultation or warning from the managing Council department ".
"My resignation is irrevocable," said Massaro, who is also the president of one the Italian film producers’ association, Anica. The next meeting of the Council department is scheduled for December in Paris when a new president will be appointed. The frontrunner for the post is Jacques Toubon, the former French Minister of Culture under Chirac. The meeting will also appoint the two deputy presidents. Italy (Mario Liggeri), Spain and Germany are the favourites.