Daniela Elstner Honored with Legion of Honor for Championing French Cinema
At a ceremony held at the French Embassy in Berlin during the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), Daniela Elstner, Managing Director of Unifrance, was elevated to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor. The recognition celebrates her decades-long dedication to promoting French cinema internationally. MSN reported on the event.
A Celebration of French Cinema and Franco-German Collaboration
The event, known as the “Soirée Française Du Cinéma,” brought together over a hundred industry professionals from around the globe. Attendees included Berlinale chief Tricia Tuttle, Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera, U.S. Distributors Michael Barker and Dylan Leiner from Sony Pictures Classics, Marcus Hu from Strand Releasing, and Unifrance president Gilles Pélisson. The celebration underscored the importance of Franco-German collaboration within the film industry.
Ambassador Delattre Praises Elstner’s Contributions
French Ambassador to Germany, François Delattre, presided over the ceremony and lauded Elstner’s professional achievements and her commitment to the individuals working within the film industry. LinkedIn posts highlighted Delattre’s remarks, emphasizing Elstner’s impact on the international influence of French cinema, not only in Germany but worldwide.
Elstner Reflects on a 30-Year Journey
Visibly moved, Elstner delivered a personal speech recounting her 30-year connection with both Germany and France. She described the award as honoring a piece of her “French heart,” noting the significance of receiving it in Berlin, the city where she began her professional journey as an Erasmus student three decades ago. She fondly remembered discovering a world beyond her expectations upon arriving in Berlin.
A Career Dedicated to French Film
Elstner acknowledged the mentors and institutions that shaped her career, including the late Daniel Toscan du Plantier, who welcomed her to Unifrance, and her early experiences at Les Films du Losange alongside Margaret Ménégoz. She also held a position as managing director of Paris-based sales company Doc & Film International.
Championing Diverse Filmmakers
Throughout her career, Elstner has championed a diverse range of filmmakers, including Eric Rohmer, Barbet Schroeder, Adina Pintilie, Gianfranco Rosi, Leyla Bouzid, and Nicolas Philibert.
A Call for European Values
Elstner’s speech also addressed broader European concerns. She reflected on a past sense of security and unity within Europe, contrasting it with current threats to shared values of peace and fraternity. She urged continued defense of these values, particularly freedom of creation, independence, and critical thinking, accepting the decoration as a renewed commitment to these principles through culture, in service of France and its Republic.
Alamy provides images from the event.