Introductions, Q&As, masterclasses, and panel moderation
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.
I work with many film theatres and film festivals in the Netherlands and abroad in a public setting. Some highlights include:
I offer various types of public speaking engagements:
Nina Rodriguez Lima, Programmer International Film Festival Rotterdam ”Its a true pleasure to work with someone as organized, enthusiastic, and well-informed as Hugo! Bringing a high level of professionalism and genuine enthusiasm to every step of the process, Hugo has a remarkable ability to connect with a wide range of speakers and audiences alike and his thoughtful questions always grant surprising, meaning- and insightful conversations.”
Marek Stolarczyk, Programmer Rialto Amsterdam ”We have been working with Hugo since 2017. He’s a very competent and knowledgeable speaker and moderator. And getting better every year.”
Harmen Huizenga, Programmer Filmhuis Slieker & Noordelijk Film Festival Leeuwarden “Hugo Emmerzael’s film talks are always interesting and thought-provoking. With a sharp eye and an inexhaustible knowledge of film, Hugo guides the audience smoothly toward in-depth analyses of a wide range of topics, always richly supported with relevant film material.”
Sam Simons, Programmer Cinecitta Tilburg “Hugo Emmerzael analyzes complex cinema in a way that is just as engaging for beginning filmgoers as it is for seasoned cinephiles. With his own insights, he offers interpretations you will not find in reviews or online. Time and again, with his bravado and youthful energy, he knows how to get the audience at Cinecitta excited.”
Marloes den Hoed, Programmer Filmtheater Hilversum “Hugo is a passionate, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic speaker, and at Filmtheater Hilversum has already given many strong introductions and moderated many post-screening discussions. Sometimes short and punchy, sometimes longer — and in my favorite introductions, he showed relevant film clips. Hugo brings essential depth and greatly sparks our visitors’ enthusiasm to further explore films, directors, and film history.”
Esmée van Loon, Programmer filmspecials LantarenVenster ”Hugo gives inspiring and substantial film lectures at LantarenVenster. His vast knowledge of film, his careful preparation, and his ability to bring his story to life with clips and examples are consistently received with great enthusiasm by our audience. He is an excellent storyteller, in both Dutch and English, and effortlessly adapts to the theme and angle. We invariably receive glowing feedback; Hugo is a real asset to us.”
Wouter Greven, Hoofd Programma Lumière Cinema “Hugo has given a lecture or introduced a film at Lumière Maastricht many times, always managing to place the medium seamlessly in a broader social context. Hugo also has a polished delivery and a warm, engaged presence. I highly recommend Hugo as a speaker.”
If you’re interested in having me speak at your event, film festival, or educational institution, please get in touch.