Manon’s Journey: From Art School to Film Curator

My passion for cinema bloomed during my time in art school. I was particularly drawn to boundary-pushing films that defied genres and blurred the lines between film and art. This fascination with idiosyncratic visuals led me to specialize in the visual arts, eventually gravitating towards the world of (short) films where I found my true calling. Driven by my love for both mediums, I established near/by film to bridge the gap between them.

As the founder of near/by film, I have the pleasure of immersing myself in every aspect of film production. From nurturing emerging filmmakers and artists to bringing my own film projects to life, I get to do what I love every day. Additionally, I curate film programs for festivals and cinema spaces, conduct research, and seek out exciting collaborations. Guided by a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown, I continue to grow and thrive in the world of film.

Manon possesses an MA in Film & Photographic Studies, awarded with distinction from the prestigious University of Leiden. She also holds a BA from the esteemed Academy for Arts & Design in Den Bosch. Her experience includes working as a curator for ZAAL5/Filmhuis Den Haag, Urban Explorers Festival, and independent exhibition spaces. She serves as an advisor for VAF and Stroom Den Haag, and has taught at KABK Den Haag and St. Joost Breda. Manon is also an external examiner for the Master Film program at the renowned Dutch Film Academy in Amsterdam.

With ten years of programming experience at Go Short Film Festival, Manon continues to create specialized film programs for other festivals and venues. As a visual artist, she has exhibited her work at prominent institutions such as Centraal Museum, Kunstfort Vijfhuizen, KW14, Wetering Galerie, and Kunsthalle Hamburg. Her compelling animations have been presented in both exhibition spaces and film festivals.

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