The Film and Media Foundation NRW mourns the loss of Claudia Droste-Deselaers

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our former colleague Claudia Droste-Deselaers, who passed away yesterday at the age of 61 after a long illness.

Claudia Droste-Deselaers played a decisive role in shaping the Film and Media Foundation NRW for many years. From 1999 to 2010, she served first as head of film funding under Executive Director Dieter Kosslick, and later as deputy executive director, authorized signatory, and head of the production department. During this time, she oversaw and was responsible for numerous funding decisions and important developments in North Rhine-Westphalia as a hub for media and film. With her vast knowledge, clear stance, and extraordinary dedication, she was an important point of contact and wise advisor to our filmmakers, the media industry, and, not least, to numerous colleagues.

Before joining the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, Claudia Droste-Deselaers worked at RTL Television, including as a program editor and in various management and coordination roles within the programming division. In early 1999, she moved to FFP Entertainment in Cologne before joining us in September 1999.

“Many colleagues associate Claudia Droste-Deselaers with formative years at the Film and Media Foundation NRW. She was a person with great charisma, boundless energy, and a special knack for understanding people and projects. Claudia Droste-Deselaers knew how to bring others along, motivate them, and inspire them with her ideas. Her passion for the film and media industry and her warmth will remain in the memories of many,” emphasizes Walid Nakschbandi, Executive Director of the Film and Media Foundation NRW.

The thoughts of all her colleagues are with her family.