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.