As CEO of the Film Institute, Petrussen will lead the development of the Greenlandic film industry.

The Greenlandic Film Institute is set to begin operations in January 2026. Inunnguaq Petrussen has been appointed as its first CEO, and will to lead the Institute as it begins its operations. According to the board of the Institute, Petrussen was selected for his insights into Greenlandic cultural life, as well as political and administrative processes.

Petrussen has a background as a musician, a political administrator, and an advisor for three Greenlandic parties.

Malik Kleist, filmmaker and Chairperson of the Institute’s board, said in a press release published by the Department of Education, Culture, Sports and Church in Naalakkersuisut, the Government of Greenland:

“The board is pleased to present Inunnguaq Petrussen as the first leader of the Greenlandic Film Institute. Inunnguaq brings a very strong cultural competence and in-depth understanding of strategic and administrative processes, which will be crucial in this initial phase we now enter. The board is looking forward to a close collaboration in creating a dynamic and forward-looking film institute that can drive the development of Greenlandic film and culture, both nationally and internationally.”

The newly appointed Petrussen expressed his anticipations for his upcoming task:

“I am excited to step into this new and exciting position. I look forward to working on expanding opportunities for our filmmakers through the initiatives the Film Institute will create, especially during these years, when the world’s attention is on us.”

The Institute will play a central role in developing the film sector in Greenland through promotion of film, cinema activities, and film festivals, and through attracting international film and TV productions. The Institute also aims to increase the visibility and awareness of Greenlandic films both nationally and internationally. The Institute will be handling film commissioning.

Petrussen will officially assume the position as CEO on December 1.

The board of the Institute, appointed earlier this year, consists of Chairperson Malik Kleist and board members Claus Erik Nielsen, representing Film.gl, Ulannaq Ingemann, representing the Greenland Arts Foundation, Nukakkuluk Kreutzmann, representing the actors' organisation, and Julia Pars, representing the Greenland Employers' Association.