Esther van Messel
CEO
First Hand Films
Making other people watch the films she loves is what makes her tick. Leading her staff, doing her job well and earning people a buck is Esther van Messel’s job. Telling, listening and making good stories seen are her passion.
Some think that all Esther does is traveling a lot, playing with the computer and talking on the phone (mostly these thoughts are harbored by rather youngish people living in her household. They don’t pay any rent but insist on being fed regularly). Some other people know that Esther owns and runs a distribution company for documentaries, fiction films and TV series since 1998. First Hand Films works out of Zurich and Berlin and offers the best films available, impeccable service, and true dedication to authenticity, relevance and fun. First Hand Films have competed at all major festivals and have won most awards available, including the Oscar© for Best Documentary Feature.
Before being independent and free (i.e. depending on the market and working long days), Esther van Messel worked for Warner Bros., Israel, and headed its distribution, releasing films like Bonfire of the Vanities and The Rookie (anyone remember these?). She holds a BfA from Tel Aviv University which got her into to all this in the first place. Learning from how the majors do their homework, Esther fell in love with the audience, and as a producer back in Switzerland, where she’d grown up, she was in charge of international co-productions and sales. Passing by the glass ceiling she founded her own company when she was 33 and had two kids aged 3 and 6 (now you go do the math yourself).
Today, Esther van Messel also works as a consultant and creative Executive Producer for projects, companies and public institutions around the world, and serves regularly on juries of all sorts. She advises on business strategies, communication campaigns and many other things people want to hear about (or not, if you ask those young ‘uns again). She does so fluently in English, German, French, Dutch and Hebrew. Her Danish albeit suffices only for screening rough cuts and ordering some smørrebrød med øl.
Much to her parents’ regret Esther rides a Hornet 900.
Esther van Messel will be at the following events:
Who's Who - Wednesday 04 November 2009, 4:00PM, HUBS C
Co-Producing With The Brits - Heaven or Hell? - Thursday 05 November 2009, 3:00PM, The Chapel