Moritz de Hadeln, the Switzerland-based film festival executive who led several major European events, has died. Multiple outlets report that he was 85 and died on Saturday, July 4, at a hospital in Nyon, Switzerland. Deadline and Variety say representatives close to de Hadeln’s family confirmed the death. De Hadeln is described as having held leadership roles at the Locarno Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), and the Venice Film Festival. The Hollywood Reporter characterizes him as a prominent festival figure often referred to as “Mr. Film Festival.”
Across the reports, de Hadeln is credited with playing a key role in introducing influential films during his tenures, including widely recognized titles cited by Hollywood Reporter. Variety adds biographical details, stating he was born in 1940 in Exeter, England, and that he came from an artistic family. The accounts agree on his central reputation as a leading industry figure and festival director, as well as the circumstances and location of his death.
