– Heike Mozer took over the commercial management of Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF) in June.
– An experienced curator and festival organizer, Annegret Richter, has now joined FMF to spearhead the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS).
– Richter has been a well-known figure and supporter of the ITFS for many years.
A New Duo to Drive ITFS to Animated Heights
Heike Mozer and Annegret Richter Unite to Level Up ITFS
From Passionate Supporter to Leader – Annegret Takes Charge
In the 3D animation world, this is quite the duo! Heike Mozer, the pencil-pusher guru, took office back in June and now, Annegret Richter, the love-struck fangirl of ITFS, has decided to sprinkle some of her magic dust on the show as well. She’s rumored to be turning into the Gandalf of animation; guiding, leading, and occasionally setting off some magical firework displays (and by that, I mean her potentially jaw-dropping ideas). This dynamic team is about to give the ITFS a well-deserved animated facelift. Let’s hope with them at the helm, we’ll see fewer yawns and more gasps of awe. Time to grab the popcorn folks, because the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film is set for a blend of colors like never before.
This summer, Heike Mozer became the new Commercial Manager, and now the FMF (Film- and Medienfestival gGmbH) has completed its leadership team with the appointment of veteran curator and festival organiser, Annegret Richter. She replaces the former Artistic Director and is a longtime collaborator with the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS).

A moment with Annegret Richter (©Martin Jehnichen, photo via ITFS)
Stateholders and sponsors warmly welcome the new management team. Michael Kaiser, FMF’s Supervisory Board Chairman and Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS), expressed his contentment and confidence in Annegret Richter’s capabilities in leading the organization artistically. He stated that her animated film expertise strongly supplement Heike Mozer’s commercial proficiency.
Stuttgart City, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Baden-Württemberg’s federal state, and Ludwigsburg City are also ecstatic over Richter’s appointment. Richter’s impressive national and international connections and her familiarization with Stuttgart and the region are expected to be beneficial to the festival.
Heike Mozer and Annegret Richter aim to propel the ITFS forward and reposition it as an unmissable annual event not just domestically but on an international scale. Both share a vision for ITFS where it’s a place for filmmakers, industry insiders, and audiences interactions.
Annegret Richeter shared her excitement to work with Heike Mozer and the FMF team, stating that it was an honor to help shape the festival’s future. Given her deep industry networking, the experienced curator is an ardent advocate for animation and seeks to bring its significance to the forefront.
Emphasizing the societal role of animation, Richter further added, “Animation sheds light on the important topics of our time. Animated films for adults, in particular, need more exposure. Hence, the festival intends to introduce a wider audience to these films and their creators.”
Richter has worn several hats, from being a festival director at the ‘Filmfest Dresden’, animated film section head at DOK Leipzig to AG Animationsfilm Managing Director since 2016. Furthermore, she has been a festival juries and selection committees member, curated film programs, and has a grasp of latest trends via her teaching stints and lecturer roles.
ITFS’s first event under its new co-leadership will be held from April 23 to 28, 2024. FMF is jointly owned by Stuttgart City, Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, and Ludwigsburg City.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/itfs-annegret-richter/