When Canada’s entertainment conglom Alliance Atlantis announced a few months ago that it would be shuttering its film production and sales divisions, independent filmmakers wondered where its Managing Director of Motion Picture Sales Charlotte Mickie would wind up. Throughout the ’90s, Mickie has been a reliable and accessible presence on the scene, picking up many noteworthy American indies and often propelling them to solid international sales. Among the many titles in her Alliance Atlantis catalog are Bowling for Columbine, The Station Agent, Welcome to the Dollhouse, and In the Company of Men.

So, we were happy to hear yesterday that Mickie has joined Celluloid Dreams, the Paris-based outfit run by Hengameh Panahi, the astute and charismatic Iranian-born sales agent. Mickie will be a Managing Director of the company and will remain in Toronto where she will undoubtedly increase Celluloid’s connections with Canadian and American filmmakers. Over the years Celluloid has dabbled in the American indie waters but has built its reputation on the sales of films by such current art film gods as Abbas Kiorastami, Francois Ozon, and Takeshi Kitano.

Commented Panahi in a written press release, “I am delighted that Charlotte Mickie will be deploying her considerable skills and network of relationships on behalf of Celluloid Dreams. Her blend of artistic sensibility, intelligent risk-taking and sharp business acumen will serve us well in years to come. We are also particularly pleased to expand our activities from a base in North America.”

The release also notes that Celluloid’s Pierre Menahem will be leaving to start his own company.