FERA Statement, News, Press release
FERA announces CEO Transition
27 June 2025
Pauline Durand-Vialle to Step Down as Chief Executive in September
The Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA) announces that Chief Executive Pauline Durand-Vialle will step down on 12 September 2025, after more than a decade of dedicated leadership. She has been appointed Executive Director of the European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and will assume her new role on 15 September.
As the only pan-European organisation representing directors working for film, television and streaming, FERA is a tireless advocate for artistic freedom, directors’ authors’ rights, and the protection and promotion of Europe’s cultural diversity in audiovisual storytelling. Since taking office in February 2014, Pauline Durand-Vialle has played a key role in strengthening and amplifying FERA’s voice, steering the organisation through a period of increased visibility at European and international levels.
During her tenure, FERA was actively involved in the EU copyright reform process, helping to strengthen protections for authors disadvantaged by systematically weak bargaining power. The organisation also expanded its partnerships to amplify screen directors’ voices and foster international solidarity in an increasingly globalised industry. FERA further developed peer learning opportunities for its members and advanced policy work championing artistic freedom, authorship and the richness of Europe’s cultural diversity.
FERA’s Board of Directors and members extend their profound gratitude to Pauline for her outstanding commitment and leadership rooted in consensus-building and shared purpose. Her departure marks the close of a significant chapter in FERA’s journey as the leading European voice for audiovisual authors, while its mission and values burn ever more brightly at the heart of its future.
Pauline Durand-Vialle commented:
“It has been an honour to be given the opportunity to serve the community of European screen directors and help strengthen FERA’s role as a respected voice for filmmakers’ artistic freedom and authors’ rights. I’m deeply grateful to our members, team and partners for their trust, commitment and shared purpose over the years.”
Chair of the FERA Board Bill Anderson added:
“Pauline has led FERA through a transformative decade with integrity and deep commitment to our shared values. We are delighted these will underpin her new role at the Observatory, whose work is central to informing the development of policy essential to the future of Europe’s audiovisual storytelling. We are proud to see Pauline take this next step and thank her for her outstanding contribution.”
The FERA Board is currently managing the leadership transition and will share updates on future arrangements in the coming weeks.