When it comes to his work-related motto, it’s simple: “Never give up.”
Let me introduce you to a dedicated producer at Hazazah Pictures, Maarten Kuit. Whose journey in the film industry is both inspiring and impactful. His passion for film blossomed at the art academy, where he became fascinated by art direction, set design, and styling for film sets. After his studies, he spent years working in the art department for feature films, TV series, and commercials. In the mid-90s, Maarten transitioned to freelance producing, working on numerous film and advertising projects. Since 2008, Maarten has been a producer at Hazazah Pictures, resulting in more than 40 productions. To name a few: Roofkunst (directed by Hans Pool) and De Terugreis (also winner of the Gouden Kalf and the Dutch Oscar submission)
Maarten’s inspiration stems from projects deeply rooted in societal issues. Whether it’s about dementia, or the struggle of citizens against big corporations, he aims for his films and documentaries to provoke thought, spark discussions, and resonate with viewers.
Among the projects he is most proud of is “Roofkunst” (Art Dispute), which he developed from scratch. This documentary series opened up discussions around the subject of colonial looted art. During filming, he traveled the world, meeting individuals who shared their experiences of the consequences of colonial rule by European countries. The restitution of looted art to its rightful countries is currently in full swing, and knowing they contributed, however small, fills them with pride.
Collaboration is key, Maarten’s work is guided by strong values. He is aware of the teamwork involved in creating a film or documentary; collaboration is essential, regardless of the project’s size. Mutual respect and kindness among team members are vital to this process. He discusses everything with his close colleague Isa, a junior producer.
“As a producer, I feel a responsibility to make use of the opportunity I have to reach people. I strive to deliver productions that have an impact, provoke thought, and hopefully contribute positively to our society”.