About Hugo

Hi! I’m an passionate freelance film critic, writer, curator and public speaker based in Amsterdam.

As an editor of independent Dutch magazine Filmkrant, I have extensive experience with working for print publications. Additionally, my English writing can be found on platforms such as MUBI Notebook, Filmmaker Magazine, Documentary Magazine, Talking Shorts, Swissinfo and the Locarno Pardo, of which I am a Deputy Digital Editor.

I am a voter of Golden Globes and a member of FIPRESCI, and the The Circle of Dutch Film Journalists. I have served in FIPRESCI juries at Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Off-Camera Film Festival (Krakow), goEast Filmfestival (Wiesbaden).

My programming work is dedicated to the intersection of mainstream and experimental film, with a focus on digital cinema and it’s unique developments in the 21st century. However, I also have experience programming theatrical releases of a cinema in IJmuiden, and festival programming for CinemAsia Film Festival. Additionally, I’ve been the curator of Dutch auteur films in the context of Netherlands Film Festival’s Director’s Forum.

Making cinema come to life in the screening room is one of the core aims of my work. As a moderator, I feel a strong drive to facilitating deep connections between the audience and filmmakers. As an enthusiastic and versatile public speaker, I offer inspiring and informative introductions, deep (yet audience-friendly!) lectures, probing masterclasses and illuminating Q&As. I am also able to cover niche subjects in film, like moderating dedicated industry panels for cinema professionals.

Many of these topics come back in my teaching about film and other activities in an educational setting. I work as a recurring guest teacher at The Netherlands Film Academy and offer courses on public speaking for the cultural and private sector. You can already listen to me speak right now, via the Celebrating Cinema podcast, powered by Amsterdam-based cinema LAB111.

While cinema is my main topic of interest, I also have an extensive knowledge of music and the broader art-world in general. This is mostly expressed in my work for Rewire Festival, for which I moderate extensive talks with celebrated musicians, and my writing for the websites of popular Dutch music festivals like Down the Rabbit Hole and LowLands.

If you want to reach me, feel free to drop me a line