Red Arrow alum Irina Ignatiew-Lemke named MD of European Film Promotion

Former Red Arrow International and All3Media executive Irina Ignatiew-Lemke has been appointed to the role of MD at Germany-based organisation European Film Promotion (EFP).

Irina Ignatiew-Lemke

She will take over the role from incumbent MD Sonja Heinan at the start of August, as Heinan steps down after 10 years in the position.

Heinan will remain responsible for EFP’s management until the end of July 2026 and work closely with Ignatiew-Lemke during a transitional handover period.

Ignatiew-Lemke brings more than 25 years of experience in the European and international film and TV industry. She has held senior leadership roles at Telepool, Red Arrow International and All3Media Fiction Deutschland, and previously worked in international sales at Lionsgate Films in LA.

Most recently, the industry veteran founded the Munich-based boutique company Boxworks Media, focusing on the development and production of scripted content.

Hamburg-based EFP is a network of 38 national film promotion institutes which promotes European movies internationally.

Vítor Pinheiro, president of EFP, said: “Irina Ignatiew-Lemke combines deep industry knowledge with a truly international perspective. We are confident she will help further strengthen EFP’s role as a key international network supporting European films and talent worldwide.

“The board would also like to sincerely thank Sonja Heinen for her outstanding commitment and leadership over the past 10 years.”