DANIELSON APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF EIFF

SHANE Danielsen is to be the next Artistic Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The EIFF Board reached a unanimous decision following interviews on 24 May.
Danielsen has previously served as a programme adviser for the ICA and a guest programmer for the Melbourne International Film Festival, as well as the Smithsonian Institute and the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where he programmed the Max Ophuls retrospective in 2000. He continues his association with the Festival as part of the programming team with the incumbent Artistic Director, Lizzie Francke.
Danielsen is a features writer, critic and columnist specialising in cinema for The Australian newspaper. Most recently he was Artistic Director of the 2001 French Film Festival for the Alliance Francaise in Sydney, a pan-Australian event across four cities, which had the highest box office returns in its history.
Edinburgh International Film Festival Chairman, John McCormick, said: "Shane impressed the Board with his vision for the Festival, and his passion for cinema in all its forms. He has an obvious desire to share this passion with the world and he has a great sense of humour. Under his Artistic Directorship I know the Festival will have an exciting future."
Danielsen said: "I am extremely proud to be entrusted with this position at what I regard to be the UK's premiere Film Festival, and I look forward to working alongside a great team, to bring our audience the very best in world cinema."
Francke, the current Artistic Director will direct this year's Festival, her fifth, which takes place from 12 to the 26 August.
Danielsen will take up his post in the early autumn. (CD)