29 April 2025, Brussels – The European Digital Cinema Forum (EDCF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Guillaume Branders as Executive Director, replacing Juergen Burghardt who has served as General Secretary for the past seven years. This strategic leadership change marks a new chapter in the organisation’s mission to support and advance digital cinema throughout Europe and beyond.

In his new role, Branders will oversee the EDCF’s expanding portfolio of industry initiatives, including the highly successful annual EDCF Convention held most recently in Milan this past February, the EDCF Los Angeles Tour preceding CinemaCon, collaboration with the IBC conference, and various other activities designed to foster innovation and cooperation across the digital cinema landscape.

Cathy Huis in ‘t veld-Esser, President of the EDCF, welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Guillaume Branders as our new Executive Director. His vision, expertise, and collaborative approach make him the ideal leader to guide the EDCF through its next phase of growth. As we expand our scope and influence within the industry, Guillaume’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our position as the premier forum for digital cinema in Europe. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Juergen Burghardt for his dedicated service as General Secretary.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the EDCF as it broadens its scope to address emerging technologies, evolving exhibition models, and the changing needs of cinema professionals across the value chain. The organisation’s expanded mandate will include additional educational programmes, technical workshops, and strategic partnerships designed to support the digital cinema ecosystem.

Branders brings significant industry experience to the role. He previously worked at the cinema trade body UNIC and is the founder of studio funambule, a consultancy focused on business development and innovation in cinema. His current client portfolio includes Cineville, Celluloid Junkie, POSitive Cinema, the CICAE, Europa Cinemas, and others. 

Guillaume Branders thanked the EDCF Board for his appointment: “With the support of its members, I will work to ensure that the EDCF remains at the forefront of all relevant trends and developments in the sector. I can’t wait to bring new energy and expertise to the EDCF, and to help the organisation thrive and adapt to constantly evolving audience expectations and technology trends.”

His appointment underscores the EDCF’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across the digital cinema landscape.