Julie-Jeanne Régnault is stepping down as general secretary of European Film Agency Directors Association (EFAD), bringing together 38 national European film and audiovisual agencies, with effect from March.
Over her six year tenure, Régnault is credited with spearheading the growth and transformation of the Brussels-based body, members of which include France’s National Cinema Centre, the British Film Institute, Screen Ireland, the German Federal Film Board and the Ukrainian State Film Agency.
“Together with our members and partners, we have achieved significant milestones. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this incredible journey,” said Régnault. “EFAD is stronger than ever, and I am certain it will continue to thrive as a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy across Europe’s audiovisual landscape.
Under her watch, EFAD expanded from 16 to 38 members and has been instrumental in navigating European Union policy discussions, including on the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, State aid, Creative Europe – MEDIA, SatCab, EMFA, and geo-blocking.
The association has also been actively involved in significant legal cases, ranging from the cross-border access to pay-TV dispute to recent complaints filed by major online platforms against the Belgian government.
EFAD said these efforts had strengthened the organization’s influence and established it as a key advocacy force championing European film and cultural diversity in the audiovisual sector.
“Julie-Jeanne has contributed immensely to achieving our objectives. She has really put EFAD on the map as a leading advocate for our sector,” said EFAD President Chris Marcich.
The body noted that it had also initiated cooperation and solidarity projects such as DALE!, ESFUF and NEW DAWN, under her direction.
EFAD Vice President Kjersti Mo praised Régnault’s ability to connect the varying agencies over a wide range of issues.
“Julie-Jeanne has constantly fostered a robust and fruitful climate for exchange of knowledge and best practices between the very different members of EFAD, from the small countries to bigger ones, inside or outside the EU. Covering AI, gender and diversity issues, sustainability, coproductions and more,” she said.
Régnault has yet to reveal her next move. EFAD will announce plans for the recruitment of a new General Secretary in the coming weeks.
