Public Speaking & Moderation
Hugo Emmerzael is an experienced moderator, speaker, and educator who has worked with film festivals, cinemas, and cultural institutions across the Netherlands and internationally since 2017. He easily adapts his approach to audience, occasion, and subject matter when he moderates Q&As, masterclasses and panel discussions, besides giving film introductions and lectures — in both Dutch and English.
His goal is to facilitate genuinely illuminating encounters between the audience, artists and their work.
He regularly welcomes crowds at IFFR, Rialto Amsterdam, LantarenVenster, Lumière Maastricht, Filmtheater Hilversum, Cinecitta Tilburg and Locarno Film Festival. He is a guest teacher at Netherlands Film Academy and offers public speaking workshops for the cultural and private sector.
Hugo can regularly be heard through his radio appearances and hosts the Celebrating Cinema podcast at Amsterdam-based cinema LAB111.
Interested in having Hugo speak at your event or institution? Get in touch.
What People Say
Nina Rodriguez Lima, Programmer — International Film Festival Rotterdam
“It’s 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, meaningful, and insightful conversations.”
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, Head of Programming — Lumière Cinema Maastricht
“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. He has a polished delivery and a warm, engaged presence. I highly recommend Hugo as a speaker.”
Marloes den Hoed, Programmer — Filmtheater Hilversum
“Hugo is a passionate, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic speaker who has given many strong introductions and moderated many post-screening discussions at Filmtheater Hilversum. Sometimes short and punchy, sometimes longer — and in my favourite introductions, he showed relevant film clips. Hugo brings essential depth and greatly sparks our visitors’ enthusiasm to explore films, directors, and film history further.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
What I Offer
- Film introductions and pre-screening talks
- Post-screening Q&As with filmmakers
- Masterclasses on cinema, filmmaking, and film criticism
- Industry panel moderation for festivals and professional events
- Lectures on film history, theory, and contemporary cinema
- Educational workshops on critical writing and public speaking
- Guest teaching at film academies and cultural institutions
Get in touch to discuss your event.