In a move that has been warmly received in Dutch film circles, Willemien van Aalst has been appointed as the new director of the Netherlands Film Festival (NFF).
She will take over from Doreen Boonekamp, who will be leaving the NFF after the 29thedition in September 2009 to become the director of the Netherlands Film Fund.
For the past five years Van Aalst has been creative producer for Amsterdam-based IDTV Docs. Before that she was senior adviser at Andersson Eiffers Felix and deputy director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
“It’s a dream come true – a job in the heart of the Dutch Film world,” commented Van Aalst yesterday. “I think my main task is to help the festival retain its unique position within the Dutch Film world.
“Utrecht is a place where professionals come together and where the broad public can see Dutch film in all its glory. I consider it of the utmost importance that the festival continues to make the climate for Dutch Film stronger.”
The 29th edition of the Netherlands Film Festival takes place in Utrecht from September 23 to October 2.
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