At a ceremony held at the French Embassy during the Berlin Film Festival, UniFrance Managing Director Daniela Elstner was promoted to officer of the Légion d’Honneur in recognition of her decades-long commitment to championing French cinema around the world.
The gala, hosted by French Ambassador François Delattre, was part of an exclusive “Française du Cinema” that brought together more than 100 industry figures from around the world, including Tricia Tuttle, president of the Berlinale; Also included are Alberto Barbera, head of Media Film Festival, US distributors Michael Barker and Dylan Reiner of Sony Pictures Classics, Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing, and Gilles, president of UniFrance. Mr. Perrison praised Mr. Elstner’s professional accomplishments and dedication to the people who support the industry.
“You are being recognized not only for your work and your passion for the world of film, but also for the women and men who are building that incredible adventure every day,” Delatorre said. “You have contributed in an extraordinary way to the international influence of French cinema, not only in Germany, of course, but also in Europe and around the world,” he continued.
Visibly moved, Elstner took to the stage and gave a deeply personal speech, reflecting on his 30-year journey between Germany and France. “It is only a small part of my French heart that I can honor this honor tonight,” she said, underscoring the symbolic meaning of receiving the award in Berlin. This is the city she considers where she was born professionally 30 years ago with her first festival and market.
She recalled the time she enrolled as an Erasmus student and discovered a world far beyond her imagination when she left her small hometown in Germany. She also paid tribute to her family, including her French husband (she met 30 years ago) and their two children, who attended the ceremony.
Elstner also revisited the mentors and institutions that shaped her career, including the late Daniel Toscan du Plantier, who welcomed her to UniFrance, and her formative years at Les Films du Rosanges with Margaret Menegos. She then became Managing Director of the Paris-based sales company Doc & Film International.
Over the years, she has championed a wide range of filmmakers, from Eric Rohmer and Barbet Schroeder to Adina Pintillier, Gianfranco Rosi, Leila Bouzid and Nicolas Philibert.
Her speech attracted attention across Europe. “Thirty years ago, Europe felt safe to us, its principles of peace and fraternity solid and steadfast. Today, that common ambition is under threat.”
“It is up to us not to give up and to continue to defend these values, especially creative freedom, independence and critical thinking,” she said, adding: “With this medal, I also accept the responsibility of continuing my service to France and its Republic and its dedication through its culture.”
