CPH:DOX is delighted to announce that Mara Gourd-Mercado is joining the festival’s industry department as Head of Industry & Training, replacing Tereza Simikova from May 1st. 2023.

Mara will play an important role in shaping the future of CPH:DOX’s markets, industry and training activities, bringing over 10 years of experience in the international documentary industry.

“It is an honour and a great joy to join CPH:DOX and a team that champions great documentary making throughout all its activities, programs and projects. I look forward to taking on this new position and being part of developing and sustaining a strong doc community,” said Mara Gourd-Mercado, Head of Industry & Training.

“I’m very excited that Mara has decided to join CPH:DOX. I’m confident that her open mind and solid experience is the right match for our organisation to secure and further develop a vibrant platform for documentary professionals to evolve their craft, strengthen their careers and advance their business.” said Katrine Kiilgaard, CEO of CPH:DOX.

Mara Gourd-Mercado is an Argentinean-Canadian arts manager, specializing in film, television and digital media. For a decade, she used her expertise and energy to promote films from around the world as a publicist. In 2011, she entered the advertising industry and created the communications manager position at one of Canada’s leading agencies. In 2014, she returned to the cultural sector, joining the RIDM team as communications director and was Executive Director from 2015 to 2020 and went on to be Executive Director of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television – Quebec section from 2021 to 2023. She will start in her new position as Head of Industry & Training at CPH:DOX on May 1st., 2023.

In her new role as CPH:DOX’ Head of Industry & Training, Mara will be central to the strategic development of the international industry activities together with CPH:DOX’s management, and she will work to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection in addition to expanding the festival’s network of filmmakers, financiers and stakeholders, among other responsibilities.