29 MAR 2022

DFW International: High-end factual, kids programming and films from Benelux to the world

Willem Pruijssers, CEO of the global distributor, explains how was the evolution of the company since its foundation and anticipates the launches for MIPTV 2022.

29 MAR 2022
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Willem Pruijssers

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Dutch FilmWorks was established in 1998 growing into one of the leading independent theatrical film distributors in the Benelux region. In 2019, it was launched DFW International, with a main remit to take high-end factual/docs, films and kids programming created by prolific producers specifically from the Benelux region to the rest of the world. "Despite the fact we had just launched 6 months prior to the pandemic taking hold, we were in a strong resilient position and like many others, our sales team transitioned to online events and networking, generating a steady flow of sales," told Willem Pruijssers, CEO of DFW International to Señal News.
"As we look forward, we will continue to grow our catalogue of factual, kids programming and films, as well as co-production opportunities assisting the great producers, we have been working with over the years," he asserted.

SPECIAL TITLES FOR MIPTV BUYERS
DFW International is heading to MIPTV with new launches such as an exclusive documentary film about the world-famous soccer coach Louis van Gaal. Over the course of three years, "Van Gaal: The Man Behind The Legend" (1x120’) follows the Dutch coach who previously coached FB Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax, AZ and Manchester United.



On the other hand, the youth oriented drama series "Hacked" (10x14’) has been selected for the Canneseries Short Form Competitions. "We are all dependent on our mobile phones, and more so the younger generation, and hacking as also been a constant threat – so this series is also very topical. It follows three witty, hip teenagers who are totally trusting of their phones, repositories of all their personal data. That is, until they get hacked and everything is thrown into disarray!," described Pruijssers.



Other offerings include the doc series "Voices Of Liberation" (11x52’) produced by Czar TV Film & TV for Netflix and Streamz and takes viewers back to the memorial route that connects the liberation of Europe at the end of the WWII, as well as various family films. "It’s so great to be getting back to more live TV markets. We have all waited a long time to embrace the face to face contact, networking, socialising and resume normality. I think there was some hesitancy at the very beginning of the year, but fast-forward 3 months – our diaries are full, and from conversations with our clients and new contacts MIP is going to be a very busy and productive market", he anticipated.

FIRST STEPS IN LATIN AMERICA
DFW International has made its first incursion in the Latin market attending MIP Cancun in 2021. "It was a very positive experience that generated great contacts, leading to some new clients for our programming", noted CEO's company. "The finest thing about the market was that all meetings were prearranged based on needs of buyers and the profiles of the sellers. As schedules were received in advance, we could prepare well for all our meetings. It was a brilliant market experience for us especially as everyone was staying in the same location and everything was easily accessible, with plenty of organised drinks and parties which made it easy to connect with potential buyers outside of the meetings," he added.

Pruijssers has stated that some Latin buyers are really focussing on series, others more on feature films or family films, while there is also always a need for good documentaries. "Our doc series 'The Art Dspute', in which the historical legacy of looted art and its current implications are examined has an episode about a Mexican headdress (which is currently housed in Austria), so that was obviously very interesting for the Mexican TV buyers".

In the past years, DFW International has done a few global deals, through which they noted there has also been a good audience for its titles in LATAM. "MIP Cancun was also a great market to see which other players are out there looking for European titles", concluded the CEO's company.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      By Romina Rodríguez

We will continue to grow our catalogue of factual, kids programming and films, as well as co-production opportunities assisting the great producers, we have been working with over the years” Willem Pruijssers CEO of DFW International