The German Palme d’or-winning director will select a series of films at the 43rd Telluride Film Festival, set to run from September 2-5 in Colorado.

As guest director, Schlöndorff will function as a key collaborator in programming decisions, with the festival’s goal of “bringing new ideas and overlooked films to Telluride.”

In keeping with the Rocky Mountains festival’s secretive nature, Schlöndorff’s selections and the rest of the line-up will remain secret until opening day.

“Volker is the type of person Tom Luddy and I dream about when we begin the Guest Director selection process,” said Telluride Film Festival executive director Julie Huntsinger.

“His love and knowledge of the cinema allows for limitless possibilities; films we could never imagine being shown on the big screen again. What a truly unique experience we will have at the 43rd Telluride Film Festival with Volker in charge!”

“Since 1981 Telluride has been part of my life, my favorite festival for the uniqueness of the location and the number of friends I met and made there,” said Schlöndorff.

“It’s not just about our love of movies, but of life and conviviality and good will for a lot of lost causes. Julie Huntsinger and Tom Luddy are in touch with me all around the year, exchanging funny links and gossip. Of all honours, it’s one of the greatest to curate a program in the mountains.”

Schlöndorff famously won the Palme d’Or for The Tin Drum in 1979 after triumphing in Cannes 13 years earlier for Young Torless.

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