As new head of international operations at the DFI, Neiiendam will direct and develop festival, co-production and networking opportunities. He replaces Noemi Ferrer Schwenck who now works for DR Sales as Executive Producer, Partnerships and Pre-sales.

Neiiendam has a long experience in film festival programming and management. He served as artistic director of the Copenhagen International Film Festival (2005-2008) until it merged with NatFilm Festival to create CPH:PIX. He then ran the CPH:PIX Film Festival for ten years (2008-2018), and headed the Buster Children’s Film Festival from 2016 to 2018, two festivals under the Copenhagen Film Festivals Foundation umbrella.

Neiiendam has also worked as a journalist - notably as former Nordic correspondent for ScreenDaily, PR person and curator. He is member of various boards such as the Danish Film Academy, the Danish Film Critics’ Bodil Committee and Fipresci. He graduated from the University of Copenhagen in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies.

Claus Ladegaard, CEO at the Danish Film Institute said: "In Jacob Neiiendam, the Danish Film Institute is gaining a prominent name with more than 20 years of experience in the Danish and international film and culture industry. He has in-depth knowledge of international festivals and a solid network in production and distribution. Combined with Jacob’s great insight into Danish film, this makes him the ideal person to head the efforts to develop the international position of Danish film going forward."

Neiiendam added: "Danish film has been at the core of my professional DNA ever since I started in the business. I look forward to doing my part to keep Danish films in the international spotlight and to best equip Danish filmmakers to work around the world. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to bring everything I have learned into play in an important role at this transitioning and crucial time for our business. “