June 2026, Hans Lourens
From end 2023 - end 2025 I have been working as the Producer on the AMSTERTHEM project for Shortcutz Amsterdam, Executive/ Co-Producing 7 short documentaries telling compelling stories from people living in one of the 7 districts of Amsterdam. In 2025 the 7 finished Amsterthem Stories traveled as one "map of Amsterdam" in 2025 though all the districts of Amsterdam , where they were shot. Creating understanding and a common feeling to be part of this vibrant city. It opened FEST in Portugal and The Edinburgh Short Film Festival in Scotland and was shown to audiences in Poland and Canada.
In 2022 I got involved with the documentary “Only the Forgotten is New” by writer/director Mona Schier. While she finished the short version of the documentary, I introduced her to various film festivals, like IDFA, IFFR and BERLINALE/EFM and helped build a network for future collaboration and potential financing. At the same time I prepared production and budget plans for a longer version of the documentary. In fact this was the beginning of Hans Lourens Film Productions, aka HLFilmProx, founded exactly in October 2023 !
For the last 27 years I have worked for IBM in Logistics, mainly in an international program- project management environment, working with analysis, budget responsibility, development of logistic plans, and more. Acquired skills and knowledge help me in my approach to production and networking activities.
I have been actively developing my knowledge of film by self study and active participation in film festivals, courses (SAE video), workshops and producer and festival conferences. I have met with numerous filmmakers, programmers, consultants and representatives of industry supporting organizations. I have attended IFFR/ IDFA/ NFF/ FEST/ Imagine/ Cinekid/ Berlinale EFM/ Cannes/ ESFF and IBC (International Broadcasting Convention). From 2011-2015 I was a volunteer at IFFR and since 2020 at Shortcutz Amsterdam.
My goal is to develop further as a PRODUCER and be a trustworthy partner to (relative) new filmmakers to develop film projects.
The Early Years
Some of my hands-on experience on film/tv/theater productions dates back to 1990-1996, these were experiences upon which I developed as a person and built my creative experiences and insights, that helped shape my love for the creative visual arts.
I worked for a student theater group and was involved with two plays written by Milan Kundera and Edward Albee. On “The Fatalist” I was Assistant Director and On “The Lady from the Province” I was the producer.
Simultaneously I worked for two years as a writer , cameraman and producer for a children’s TV channel BEA KinderTV at the University Hospital UMCG in Groningen (NL). This experience I still refer to as the time of my life.
Later I produced, and filmed a company video for IKEA showcasing the internal logistics.
In recent years this inspiring work from the past, later volunteer work, attending and involvement with film festivals, has developed rapidly in the professional direction I want it to go.