Berlinale Announces Sata Cissokho as New Head of the World Cinema Fund and Toolbox Programme

The Berlinale is pleased to announce the appointment of Sata Cissokho as the new Head of the World Cinema Fund (WCF) and Toolbox Programme.

In this newly integrated role, Sata Cissokho will lead the strategic development and oversee both the World Cinema Fund and the Toolbox programme of the Berlinale’s European Film Market (EFM), creating synergies between the various Berlinale Pro* initiatives that seek to empower underrepresented artistic voices and to foster pathways to reach wider audiences.

Sata Cissokho steps into the role this month, with immediate focus on the Toolbox Programme and with a transition into WCF leadership through the autumn. Current WCF Head Vincenzo Bugno, who has been instrumental in establishing and growing the WCF into one of the world’s leading film funding institutions, completes his tenure at the end of 2025 after 21 years of remarkable service.

The World Cinema Fund will continue its internationally recognized exceptional role in funding and championing artistically ambitious projects from regions with fragile film infrastructures, building on the curatorial independence and artistic excellence that have defined it for over two decades. Toolbox will complement this mission by providing professional training, mentorship, and practical tools for underrepresented film professionals navigating the challenging industry landscapes. Together, these programmes will form a strong platform to support diverse and innovative storytelling.

With 15 years of experience across curation, production, distribution and international sales, Sata Cissokho brings a deep passion for cinema and a proven track record of championing global talent. Most recently at Paradise City Paris, she spearheaded the strategic selection of projects, nurtured emerging filmmakers, and helped build international recognition for acclaimed directors such as Gabriel Mascaro, Pedro Pinho, Haifaa Al-Mansour, Małgorzata Szumowska, Chaitanya Tamhane, Lemohang Mosese, Baloji, to name a few.

Sata Cissokho has also served on numerous film commissions, selection committees and juries, including for the French CNC Aide aux cinémas du monde, the Marrakech Film Festival Atlas Workshops, Rotterdam’s CineMart, and the New Dawn fund. In addition, she has been a mentor, workshop leader and industry expert for many internationally renowned initiatives such as the Cannes’ Producers Network, TorinoFilmLab, EAVE or Creative Producer Indaba. 

Tanja Meissner, Director of Berlinale Pro*, comments: “Sata Cissokho’s unparalleled experience and dedication make her the ideal person to lead the next chapter of the WCF and the Toolbox Programme. Her proven track record in identifying talent and championing exceptional artistic voices aligns perfectly with our mission to foster cultural innovation across the global film landscape. I am very happy to welcome her to Berlinale Pro* and look forward to seeing the opportunities she will create for filmmakers and producers worldwide. I would like to recognize Vincenzo Bugno for his remarkable achievements and longstanding commitment, which have been instrumental in shaping the WCF into the vital platform it is today.”

Sata Cissokho says: “The World Cinema Fund has been a leading force behind diversity in the global cinema landscape, defending urgent films with a strong artistic, political and cultural impact, and I am honoured and excited to take over its leadership. In today’s climate, I strongly believe that it’s more important than ever to support the richness and diversity of world cinemas. Throughout my career I have fought for new and underrepresented voices despite market pressures, so this feels like the natural next step for me.”

World Cinema Fund and Toolbox Programme

To date, the WCF has funded 370 projects through different schemes, from Asghar Farahdi’s A Separation to this year’s Un Certain Regard winner The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo by Diego Céspedes. Most WCF-funded films have premiered at major international film festivals and reached audiences around the globe. Its mission remains rooted in the democratization and decolonization of the international film landscape, building equity in global production and celebrating the visibility of cultural diversity in cinema. The Kulturstiftung des Bundes (Federal Cultural Foundation) is the WCF’s founding partner and continues to be its most important supporter.

Established in 2022, Toolbox supports producers from countries underrepresented in the international film industry, helping them build professional networks, gain industry knowledge, and create sustainable pathways for their careers. Toolbox alumni include Leah Baker, producer of this year Caméra d’Or The President’s Cake. Both, Toolbox and WCF are funded by the Creative Europe Media Strand.

The World Cinema Fund is an initiative of the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Berlin International Film Festival.
The special WCF Europe programme was launched with the support of the European Union’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme.