MUMBAI: The Ghent Film Festival has appointed Patrick Duynslaegher as its artistic director from 1 September.

Said Managing Director Jacques Dubrulle, "This appointment is part of the Board of Directors‘ plan to further develop the important role the Ghent Film Festival plays in the film culture of Flanders and beyond. Patrick will be able to count on the support of several top team members, who have already won their spurs."

Observed Duynslaegher, "After many years in film journalism, I am thrilled that I can now put my passion for cinema to good use serving the most dynamic film festival in Belgium. I am joining an enthusiastic team to develop new initiatives and ideas in the fast-evolving image culture, surrounded by an explosion of new media where the world of films must constantly reassess itself."
 
Duynslaegher (1953) started his career as film editor at Knack, a weekly magazine, where he soon became one of the most critical and competent opinion makers in the Belgian film world. In 2000 he became editor-in-chief of Knack Focus, which he turned into the leading entertainment magazine in Flanders.
 
The appointment of Duynslaegher has strengthened the structure of this organisation. Together with business & operations director Filip Van Pottelberg and the festival‘s producer and programmer Wim De Witte, Duynslaegher will be responsible for the daily management of the organisation.

The organisation has been holding the Ghent Film Festival since 1979.