During his directorship the Binger has focussed more strongly on the filmmaker and his artistic voice, as much as it has created space for alternative storytelling structures. The institute has thereby reoriented itself towards international auteur cinema, while strengthening its foundations in writing and directing craft.
Furthermore Willemsen set in place the documentary ambitions of the Binger. Two training programmes came into being, one of which was organised in South Africa in the framework of Project 10. The immediate result of it, thirteen films celebrating ten years of democracy, was widely acclaimed internationally after a successful broadcast in South Africa in 2004.
A second documentary training programme focuses on European filmmakers. It will commence April 22nd with John Appel, Arne Bro and Stan Neumann as lead tutors, co-funded by the MEDIA Plus Programme of the European Community, the Netherlands Film Fund and the Icelandic Film Centre.
The Binger was founded in 1995. It delivers project-driven training for screenwriters, directors, producers and script editors. The institute welcomes an increasing group of emerging talents from the international community. The Binger is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Culture and Education, while international participants receive financial support from film funding bodies such as the New Zealand Film Commission, the South African National Film and Video Foundation, the Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds and the Australian Film Commission.
An evaluation committee of international professionals including David Wingate and Cedomir Kolar, concluded in September 2003 that the Binger fills a unique place in the international film industry's development and training programmes.
Before joining the Binger in July 2001, Dick Willemsen was founding director of SOURCES and the Rotterdam Film Fund. He is confident that the Binger will continue to flourish as its graduates emerge onto the international stage.
The Board is grateful for Willemsen's contribution to a solidified and thriving Binger with a never-stronger international reputation. In April the Binger will start the recruitment process for its new director.
Posted on Tuesday 30 Nov 1999
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