Fatima Djoumer appointed CEO of Europa Cinema – Deadline

Fatima Djoumer has been appointed General Director of the network of independent exhibitors Cinemas Europereplacing Claude-Éric Poiroux who resigns after 30 years in office.

Poiroux was given the title of Honorary President in recognition of his work in building the network, which today represents 3,060 screens in 744 cities in 38 countries, which together attract 83 million admissions each year.

Djoumer, who was previously the network’s director of operations, said Poiroux has been instrumental in the development of Europa Cinemas over the years.

“The entire network will always owe a debt of gratitude to Claude-Eric, whose vision has allowed us to build such a wide and diverse network,” he said. “Europa Cinemas’ main belief is that cinemas are essential for the future of cinema. Our network is constantly finding innovative ways to enhance its role in the film ecosystem and build audiences.”

In addition, a new steering committee was also announced. Nico Simon (Luxembourg) remains President for another year, while Metka Dariš (Slovenia) and Mathias Holtz (Sweden) take over as Vice-Presidents with Benoît Thimister (Belgium) elected Treasurer and Maria-Magdalena Gierat (Poland) elected Secretary.

The Europa Cinemas network was created in 1992 with the support of the Creative Europe program of the European Union and today exists in association with the MEDIA programme. It is also supported by the National Cinema Center (CNC) of France, Eurimages of the Council of Europe, the FFA of Germany and the Institut Français.

“With the creation of this network and its development thanks to the continuous financial support of Creative Europe MEDIA from the beginning, we have strengthened the exhibitors in their programming options towards European films and in their dynamic and innovative strategies to create and renew audiences”, said. Poiroux.

“This network is more than ever essential for the growth and visibility of European cinema,” said Poiroux.