Maarten Kuit – Managing director and partner

Who is Maarten Kuit?

Maarten Kuit is a dedicated producer at Hazazah Pictures with a career that spans decades in the film and television industry. Known for his perseverance and passion, Maarten lives by a simple yet powerful motto: “Never give up.” His journey in filmmaking is both inspiring and impactful, reflecting a lifelong commitment to telling meaningful stories through film and documentary.

How did Maarten start his career in the film industry?

Maarten’s passion for film began at art academy, where he discovered his fascination for art direction, set design, and styling for film sets. After completing his studies, he spent several years working in the art departments of feature films, TV series, and commercials. In the mid-1990s, Maarten transitioned into freelance producing, taking on numerous film and advertising projects. Since 2008, he has been part of the Hazazah Pictures team, producing more than 40 acclaimed productions, including Roofkunst (directed by Hans Pool) and De Terugreis, which won the Gouden Kalf and was submitted as the Dutch Oscar entry.

What kind of stories inspire Maarten as a producer?

Maarten’s inspiration lies in films and documentaries that address social and cultural issues. Whether exploring topics like dementia or the struggle of citizens against large corporations, his goal is to create productions that provoke thought, inspire discussion, and resonate emotionally with audiences. “As a producer, I feel a responsibility to make use of the opportunity I must reach people. I strive to deliver productions that have an impact, provoke thought, and hopefully contribute positively to our society.”

Which projects is Maarten most proud of?

One of Maarten’s most notable projects is Roofkunst (Art Dispute), a documentary series he developed from the ground up. The series delves into the complex topic of colonial looted art, sparking international dialogue about art restitution and cultural ownership. During production, Maarten travelled around the world, meeting individuals personally affected by the consequences of colonialism. Knowing that Roofkunst has contributed, even in a small way, to global awareness and restitution efforts fills him with pride.

What are Maarten’s core values when it comes to filmmaking?

For Maarten, collaboration and respect are the cornerstones of successful filmmaking. He understands that every project, regardless of size, depends on the collective effort of a creative team. He works closely with his junior producer, Isa, and believes in maintaining an environment of mutual respect, kindness, and open communication throughout every production process.

What drives Maarten in his role at Hazazah Pictures?

At Hazazah Pictures, Maarten continues to combine creative storytelling with social relevance, always seeking to make a meaningful impact through film. His dedication to quality, integrity, and collaboration has made him an integral part of the Hazazah team and a respected figure in the Dutch film industry.

Jeroen van den Idsert – Producer and partner

Who is Jeroen van den Idsert?

Jeroen is the visionary founder of Hazazah, a pioneer who has made a lasting impact on the world of film and photography. With over 25 years of experience, he has approached every project with passion, creativity, and dedication, helping to shape the modern production industry.

How has the production industry changed during Jeroen’s career?

Over the past 25 years, the production industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. The rise of digital technology (and more recently, artificial intelligence) has redefined the way films and photography are created. Jeroen has witnessed this evolution firsthand, embracing both the challenges and creative opportunities it presents.

What notable experiences has Jeroen had throughout his career?

Jeroen’s career has been filled with memorable encounters and collaborations. He has worked with cultural icons such as Johan Cruijff and André Hazes and continues to draw inspiration from “the crazy ones”: the bold, imaginative creatives who bring life and originality to every project.

What is Jeroen’s vision for the future of commercials and filmmaking?

Looking ahead, Jeroen envisions a future where commercials become immersive, almost virtual-reality-like experiences. He remains optimistic about how technology can elevate storytelling, allowing brands and creators to engage audiences on a deeper, more emotional level.

What drives Jeroen’s ongoing ambition in film and photography?

Jeroen’s passion lies in creating new, unforgettable film memories. His recurring ambition is simple yet powerful: “To film a few scenes each year that have never been seen in a film or ad. To challenge a few directors and photographers annually to come up with ideas that could propel their careers to the next level. I am always striving to craft new, enduring film memories… And the best film I have yet to create is still on the horizon.”

Isa van der Horst – Junior producer

Who is Isa?

Isa is a dynamic Junior Producer at Hazazah, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and curiosity to every project she works on. With a strong academic background in Media Culture and Television Studies, she has navigated the ever-evolving world of media with passion, determination, and a deep love for storytelling.

What does Isa enjoy most about her role as a junior producer?

For Isa, no two days are the same. Her role involves juggling multiple creative projects, each offering new challenges and opportunities to learn. “Every day is unique! With a variety of projects on the table, I’m constantly switching gears and keeping all my creative radars up and running.” She draws inspiration from many sources, watching art house films, exploring documentaries to broaden her knowledge, and wandering through Amsterdam’s lively streets, always wondering: “Would the people walking around the city enjoy watching this?”

What inspires Isa in her work at Hazazah?

Isa finds creative inspiration in cinema, culture, and real-life stories. Her growing interest in documentary filmmaking fuels her understanding of human connection and social themes. The vibrant energy of Amsterdam also keeps her creativity flowing, offering endless stories and perspectives that influence her work as a producer.

What is Isa’s personal motto?

Isa lives by an uplifting and fearless motto: “I’ve never done it before, but I believe I can!” Although she’s still early in her career, Isa embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn, experiment, and grow, a mindset that perfectly aligns with Hazazah’s spirit of innovation and collaboration.

What are some memorable moments Isa has experienced at Hazazah?

Isa recalls one of her favourite memories from her internship, a day filled with laughter and balloons: “I was rushing to collect balloons for a party. There were so many that I struggled to get them to our second-floor office, almost toppling over while navigating the stairs. The laughter shared that day set a joyful tone in the office.” This moment reflects Hazazah’s culture of celebration, where the team comes together to enjoy everything from World Cup events to anniversaries and award wins.

Which project has had the biggest impact on Isa?

One production that deeply influenced Isa is De Terugreis. “The journey of this film taught me the importance of perseverance,” she explains. When she was an intern, the project had been in development for years, facing multiple funding rejections. Isa even helped with one of the final submissions. Upon returning to Hazazah later, she was thrilled to see the film completed and eventually recognized as the Dutch Oscar submission and winner of two Gouden Kalveren (Golden Calves). For Isa, this experience reinforced a vital lesson in filmmaking: persistence pays off.

How does Isa see her future in the film industry?

Isa continues to grow as a creative professional, eager to contribute to meaningful storytelling and impactful productions. Her optimism, curiosity, and determination make her a rising talent at hazazaH, embodying the company’s vision to push creative boundaries and celebrate collaboration in every project.

Liesbeth van den Idsert – Legal Affairs

How did Liesbeth begin her journey at Hazazah?

Liesbeth’s journey into the production industry began unexpectedly. When her brother, Jeroen, invited her to join him at Hazazah, she saw it as an exciting challenge and decided to take the leap. Leaving her position at a multinational to join a startup production company marked a defining turning point in her career and in her life.

What was Liesbeth’s background before joining Hazazah?

Although Liesbeth studied Orthopedagogy, her professional path led her into the world of film and creative production. Despite the shift in direction, she quickly discovered that her previous experiences were highly valuable at hazazaH. Her background taught her the importance of mutual respect, equality, and teamwork, principles she continues to uphold in her daily work. “It’s crucial to work with each other in a respectful way,” Liesbeth says. “Don’t put anyone on a different level than you are on. Everyone needs to feel heard and seen.”

What motivates Liesbeth in her role at Hazazah?

Liesbeth draws deep inspiration from people and partnerships. Her motivation comes from connecting individuals, empowering them to perform at their best, and fostering an environment where the team grows stronger together. Her core values are trust, quality, honesty, and team spirit, and define both her leadership style and Hazazah’s culture.

How does Liesbeth describe Hazazah’s company culture?

In the fast-paced world of creative production, Liesbeth views Hazazah as a unique oasis of innovation and collaboration. It’s a place where craftsmanship and creativity meet, driven by a shared belief in being “strong together.” Challenges are embraced rather than avoided, and what seems impossible is seen as an opportunity to innovate. “We always strive for the best,” Liesbeth explains. “In an industry where obstacles are often considered insurmountable, hazazaH lives by the philosophy that ‘cannot doesn’t exist.’”

What is Liesbeth’s philosophy on teamwork and problem-solving?

For Liesbeth, the key to success lies in a solution-oriented mindset. No matter how complex a project may seem, she believes that through collaboration, creativity, and perseverance, a workable solution can always be found. This belief fuels Hazazah’s continued growth and reputation as a trusted name in the film and production industry.

Zohra Knipscheer – Head of finance

Who is Zohra and what is her role at Hazazah?

Zohra is the passionate and dedicated Head of Finance at Hazazah, where she has built an impressive 23-year career. With a background in accounting, PR, marketing, and entrepreneurship, she combines analytical precision with a deep appreciation for creativity, a rare blend that perfectly fits Hazazah’s dynamic culture.

How did Zohra begin her journey with Hazazah?

Zohra’s path to hazazaH was shaped by her strong creative network and entrepreneurial spirit. Even as a child, she showed signs of the visionary she would become: “I made my own money and played post office,” she recalls. Surrounded by creative minds, she dreamed of running her own agency for photographers, a dream that naturally led her to the world of film, production, and creativity at Hazazah.

What does Zohra enjoy most about her work in finance and production?

Zohra thrives on the intersection of creativity and finance. She finds joy in managing complex budgets and ensuring every production runs smoothly from both an artistic and financial perspective. “I like the combination of the creative and the financial process, also puzzling with the budgets. I like it when it all adds up,” she says. Her ability to balance numbers with creative flow makes her an invaluable part of the Hazazah team.

What challenges does Zohra manage as Head of Finance?

In her role, Zohra skilfully balances the needs of the permanent team with the freelancers who bring specialized talent to each project. She manages tight budgets while meeting the high expectations of clients, ensuring both efficiency and quality. Her secret to success? Punctuality, continuity, and a sharp eye for detail, qualities that have earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues.

What inspires Zohra in her work at Hazazah?

Zohra finds her greatest inspiration in teamwork and watching her colleagues grow throughout the creative process. “When you finally see a film on the big screen after a long time and many phases, you think, wow! That’s very exciting.” For Zohra, the true reward lies in the family atmosphere and personal connections that make Hazazah a unique and inspiring place to work.

What are some fun facts about Zohra outside of work?

Beyond her financial expertise, Zohra has a passion for vintage fashion, from clothes and bags to shoes, a nod to her hippie roots. This creative flair adds personality and warmth to her role, making her not only the numbers expert but also a source of inspiration and style within the Hazazah team.