Laurens Korteweg has been unveiled as new Business Director of Amsterdam-based Movies That Matter, one of the world’s human rights film festivals. As of September 1 he will head up the organisation together with Artistic Director Margje de Koning. He succeeds Ali Remmelts, who left the organisation last June, after 15 years.
Korteweg has worked for the past seven years as Director of Exhibitions at World Press Photo, responsible for both the business and content side of the global exhibition tour. He also works as a strategic advisor at the Photography Ethics Centre. He lives in Amsterdam with his wife and two children.
Artistic Director Margje de Koning comments: “Because of his background at World Press Photo, Laurens understands like no other the power and impact of images and stories. His great financial knowledge combined with a heart for human rights, fits perfectly with the rest of the organisation. I am confident that Laurens can provide the right impetus to anchor Movies that Matter even more firmly in the international arena of human rights in the years to come”.
Laurens Korteweg adds: “I tremendously look forward to working with Margje and the team to continue the wonderful work of Movies that Matter. I admire the organisation for how successfully it operates at the intersection of film and human rights; with great respect for both the creators and the complexity of their work.”
Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You, Chair of the Supervisory Board adds: “The Supervisory Board is very pleased with Laurens’ appointment. We believe he has the élan, the right experience and qualities to lead the organisation on a business level and perpetuate it for the future. In addition, we also see in him an excellent substantive sparring partner for Margje and the rest of the team.”
