Wouter Barendrecht
Amsterdam, 5 november 1965 - Bangkok, 5 april 2009
Deeply saddened we confirm that Fortissimo's company founder and co-chairman Wouter Barendrecht suddenly died on Sunday April 5 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wouter's passing has shocked his family, his friends and colleagues around the globe.
His passion for cinema, his vision, his energy and his witty humor will be extremely missed by all of us.
On this Memorial website you can share your thoughts and memories with us.
The Fortissimo Family
| Contactperson: | Chris Paton |
| chris.paton@fortissimofilms.com |
Click here for Chinese press release
Click here for English press release
Click here for Dutch press release
Click here for English press release
Click here for Dutch press release
Memorial services
On Wednesday May 13, during the Filmfestival in Cannes we will celebrate Wouter's life and achievements. For more information about the event, please contact info@fortissimo.nl. Please respect the nature of the event.
| Venue: | Plage des Palmes |
| Time: | 3-4 pm |
To honour Wouter's memory, a foundation has been established. The goal of the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation will be to support one of Wouter's key missions and goals during his career and that was to encourage the work of talented young filmmakers. This will be accomplished with award grants to be given out on a yearly basis at festivals that Wouter supported and/or worked at or with during his life.
While Wouter loved flowers, we would ask that if you want to honour him, a contribution to the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation would be more appreciated and long lasting.
With the support of Fintage, two depository accounts for the Foundation have been established today; the details of which are listed below:
| Account holder: | Fintage CAM BV |
| Reference: | Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation |
| Account number: | NL38 FTSB 0241 490677 |
| Bank: | Fortis Bank Nederland N.V. Blaak 555 3011 GB Rotterdam The Netherlands |
| Bic Code: | FTSBNL2R |
| Account Name: | Fintage Collection Account Management B.V. |
| Reference: | Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation |
| Account number: | 368-0-066881-9 |
| CA Bank: | Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (003) 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong |
| Swift Code: | SCBLHKHHXXX |
Claire Dobbin
Claire Dobbin (Chair, Melbourne International Film Festival)& Richard Moore (Executive Director, Melbourne International Film Festival) On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), we write to say how very saddened we are at the shocking news of Wouter’s sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you, his friends and family. Wouter was a very special advocate of cinema, and the world is richer for his, and Fortissimo’s, vision. We are heartened that a special Foundation in his name has been set up.
gabrielle kelly
Wouter, I met you once in London but your influence stayed with me during the years following that meeting. What you did in bringing the world togther in the lanuage of film always inspired me. In teaching at USC and LA Film School I used you as an example of what could be done in acquistions and distribution, what fun it could be, how the world could be changed and people brought together. My deepest sympathies to all your family and friends and thank you for the inspiration you gave to one person who met you so many years ago. Gabrielle Kelly
Ana Bielschowsky
Wouter, We met in several occasions since 1997 and especially last year, always at film markets and festivals. I was very sad to learn you passed away so suddenly and so young. You know, sooner or later we will all leave our bodies and this is one of the challenges of the human existence. To live knowing we are so far from our own physical realm, but then; to keep things real. It requires strength, constance, determination. And this is why I will always remember and admire you. You were always strong and you always kept things real. My condolences to your family and loved ones. I pray for you to rest in peace and I am sure you will be very happy wherever you have gone to, in spirit and light.
Ana Bielschowsky
Wouter, We met in several occasions since 1997 and especially last year, always at film markets and festivals. I was very sad to learn you passed away so suddenly and so young. You know, sooner or later we will all leave our bodies and this is one of the challenges of the human existence. To live knowing we are so far from our own physical realm, but then; to keep things real. It requires strength, constance, determination. And this is why I will always remember and admire you. You were always strong and you always kept things real. My condolences to your family and loved ones. I pray for you to rest in peace and I am sure you will be very happy wherever you have gone to, in spirit and light. Ana Bielschowsky
Brillante Mendoza
Im extremely shocked and saddened by Wouters sudden death.We met several times at HAF and discussed a bit about my next proj at the Fortissimo party.We even plan to mit in Munich next month.I will terribly missed Wouter and my festival visit wont be the same without him.HE was one of my major supporter as a friend and as a filmaker.My deep condolences to his family,to Michael and the Fortissimo family.
Kathy Kim
Wouter's death has saddened me beyond words. It truly is hard for me to accept. He has been a wise and generous mentor and a wonderful friend. Wouter, All of your friends at CJ will miss you tremendously and remember you forever.
Margje van Eijk
My cinematic life and experiences are also coloured by Wouter's contributions. That is a wonderful achievement. My thoughts are with his family, his beloved ones and all my former Fortissimo colleagues.
Marcello Paolillo
Seeing all these messages from all over the world it's another amazing proof of how many people you touched with your passion, enthusiasm and kindness. My dearest condolences to Michael and the Fortissimo family!
Tim Kwok & Maya Lim
You will be sadly missed. World Cinema has lost one of its champions. Our thoughts go out to Michael, Wouter's family & Friends and The entire Fortissimo Family.
Dorothee Wenner
Dear Wouter, the only consolation is to know you lived your life at fullest. My sincere condolences to your family and colleagues.
Juan Foo
I cannot claim I am a close friend of Wouter. To him I am probably one in the few hundred producers trying to get him to help my films. We have acknowledged each other at film events, exchanged pleasantries and have only met to formally discuss film projects a few times. I will remember those meetings, because when you have his rare undivided attention, he shares his experience, his love for Asian films, his wry humor belying the harsh market, and also his frustrations on why things are and how they should be. An energy that exuded from all this is his relentless drive for the love of the film business and his sheer quest for compelling cinema. Whatever it may be, its too early, its just too early to take him. May he rest in peace and look back at us from afar. Thank you Wouter
theodoor richard
wouter, thank you. i deeply thank you for your trust when we worked together long time ago; for your kind help and friendship to introduce me to the big warm fortissimo family in hong kong; and maybe mostly for teaching me about the right motivation to be in this mix of magic and mud business, or not. you were a true star behind the screen. my heart goes out the whole fortissimo family and i wish all the people who feel the loss of your departure, strength and hope to deal with this. i dedicate any merit of my best wishes to you.
Raisa Fomina, Intercienma
It was a shock and heartbreaking news which i learned only today getting back from a holiday. I cannot belive that Wouter, so young, handsome and happy is not with us anylonger. He was a rare person with great courage to dedicate his life to support of independent talented filmmakers most of whom I learned about only thanks to Wouter. His taste and love for art were unquestionable. I often thought of him as an example for me in my work. It is a great loss for world cinema.
Raisa Fomina, Intercienma
It was a shock and heartbreaking news which i learned only today getting back from a holiday. I cannot belive that Wouter, so young, handsome and happy is not with us anylonger. He was a rare person with great courage to dedicate his life to support of independent talented filmmakers most of whom I learned about only thanks to Wouter. His taste and love for art were unquestionable. I often thought of him as an example for me in my work. It is a great loss for world cinema.
Liz Shackleton
It's taken me a week to be able to write something - the shock was so great. Thank you Wouter for everything you have taught me since I moved out to Hong Kong as a naive gweipo all those years ago. You will be missed but your spirit lives on.
Ryan Bruce Levey
Wouter, I was always happy to see your smiling face on the festival circuit. You were one of the first people to welcome me when I joined this crazy business. You were an amazing influence on me, in that you showed me that I could be brave in making the choices I did when it came to distributing films. Your wit, candor and generosity will continue to inspire all who come up in this industry, as well as those of us who will continue on to champion world cinema. I'll miss your presence in my life.
ASAI Takashi
i met with you almost 20 years ago. You handle our film March Comes Like a Lion, I bought Prisoner of Mountain from you. At that time you are 20s. Both of us young. We believe arthouse film market. So, I can't say anything now. good by.
HARRIS LASMANA
You are ever present in our hearts and I am at peace knowing you are in a better place. You are truly missed, but I feel blessed for your friendship. May god rest your soul in peace.
Robert Kessel
This is a huge loss to the film community as well as the world. Wouter was not only a huge supporter of filmmakers, but was also the rare person who could balance the business side of the industry with the personal. Very sad and we will all miss that smile at festivals...
Ellen Eliasoph
There are very few people who can build a global community of friends and colleagues out of vision, dreams and passion - like weaving a beautiful tapestry out of delicate threads. Wouter did this. What a wonderful, enduring gift he has left us.
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Claire Dobbin (Chair, Melbourne International Film Festival)& Richard Moore (Executive Director, Melbourne International Film Festival) On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), we write to say how very saddened we are at the shocking news of Wouter’s sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you, his friends and family. Wouter was a very special advocate of cinema, and the world is richer for his, and Fortissimo’s, vision. We are heartened that a special Foundation in his name has been set up.
gabrielle kelly
Wouter, I met you once in London but your influence stayed with me during the years following that meeting. What you did in bringing the world togther in the lanuage of film always inspired me. In teaching at USC and LA Film School I used you as an example of what could be done in acquistions and distribution, what fun it could be, how the world could be changed and people brought together. My deepest sympathies to all your family and friends and thank you for the inspiration you gave to one person who met you so many years ago. Gabrielle Kelly
Ana Bielschowsky
Wouter, We met in several occasions since 1997 and especially last year, always at film markets and festivals. I was very sad to learn you passed away so suddenly and so young. You know, sooner or later we will all leave our bodies and this is one of the challenges of the human existence. To live knowing we are so far from our own physical realm, but then; to keep things real. It requires strength, constance, determination. And this is why I will always remember and admire you. You were always strong and you always kept things real. My condolences to your family and loved ones. I pray for you to rest in peace and I am sure you will be very happy wherever you have gone to, in spirit and light.
Ana Bielschowsky
Wouter, We met in several occasions since 1997 and especially last year, always at film markets and festivals. I was very sad to learn you passed away so suddenly and so young. You know, sooner or later we will all leave our bodies and this is one of the challenges of the human existence. To live knowing we are so far from our own physical realm, but then; to keep things real. It requires strength, constance, determination. And this is why I will always remember and admire you. You were always strong and you always kept things real. My condolences to your family and loved ones. I pray for you to rest in peace and I am sure you will be very happy wherever you have gone to, in spirit and light. Ana Bielschowsky
Brillante Mendoza
Im extremely shocked and saddened by Wouters sudden death.We met several times at HAF and discussed a bit about my next proj at the Fortissimo party.We even plan to mit in Munich next month.I will terribly missed Wouter and my festival visit wont be the same without him.HE was one of my major supporter as a friend and as a filmaker.My deep condolences to his family,to Michael and the Fortissimo family.
Kathy Kim
Wouter's death has saddened me beyond words. It truly is hard for me to accept. He has been a wise and generous mentor and a wonderful friend. Wouter, All of your friends at CJ will miss you tremendously and remember you forever.
Margje van Eijk
My cinematic life and experiences are also coloured by Wouter's contributions. That is a wonderful achievement. My thoughts are with his family, his beloved ones and all my former Fortissimo colleagues.
Marcello Paolillo
Seeing all these messages from all over the world it's another amazing proof of how many people you touched with your passion, enthusiasm and kindness. My dearest condolences to Michael and the Fortissimo family!
Tim Kwok & Maya Lim
You will be sadly missed. World Cinema has lost one of its champions. Our thoughts go out to Michael, Wouter's family & Friends and The entire Fortissimo Family.
Dorothee Wenner
Dear Wouter, the only consolation is to know you lived your life at fullest. My sincere condolences to your family and colleagues.
Juan Foo
I cannot claim I am a close friend of Wouter. To him I am probably one in the few hundred producers trying to get him to help my films. We have acknowledged each other at film events, exchanged pleasantries and have only met to formally discuss film projects a few times. I will remember those meetings, because when you have his rare undivided attention, he shares his experience, his love for Asian films, his wry humor belying the harsh market, and also his frustrations on why things are and how they should be. An energy that exuded from all this is his relentless drive for the love of the film business and his sheer quest for compelling cinema. Whatever it may be, its too early, its just too early to take him. May he rest in peace and look back at us from afar. Thank you Wouter
theodoor richard
wouter, thank you. i deeply thank you for your trust when we worked together long time ago; for your kind help and friendship to introduce me to the big warm fortissimo family in hong kong; and maybe mostly for teaching me about the right motivation to be in this mix of magic and mud business, or not. you were a true star behind the screen. my heart goes out the whole fortissimo family and i wish all the people who feel the loss of your departure, strength and hope to deal with this. i dedicate any merit of my best wishes to you.
Raisa Fomina, Intercienma
It was a shock and heartbreaking news which i learned only today getting back from a holiday. I cannot belive that Wouter, so young, handsome and happy is not with us anylonger. He was a rare person with great courage to dedicate his life to support of independent talented filmmakers most of whom I learned about only thanks to Wouter. His taste and love for art were unquestionable. I often thought of him as an example for me in my work. It is a great loss for world cinema.
Raisa Fomina, Intercienma
It was a shock and heartbreaking news which i learned only today getting back from a holiday. I cannot belive that Wouter, so young, handsome and happy is not with us anylonger. He was a rare person with great courage to dedicate his life to support of independent talented filmmakers most of whom I learned about only thanks to Wouter. His taste and love for art were unquestionable. I often thought of him as an example for me in my work. It is a great loss for world cinema.
Liz Shackleton
It's taken me a week to be able to write something - the shock was so great. Thank you Wouter for everything you have taught me since I moved out to Hong Kong as a naive gweipo all those years ago. You will be missed but your spirit lives on.
Ryan Bruce Levey
Wouter, I was always happy to see your smiling face on the festival circuit. You were one of the first people to welcome me when I joined this crazy business. You were an amazing influence on me, in that you showed me that I could be brave in making the choices I did when it came to distributing films. Your wit, candor and generosity will continue to inspire all who come up in this industry, as well as those of us who will continue on to champion world cinema. I'll miss your presence in my life.
ASAI Takashi
i met with you almost 20 years ago. You handle our film March Comes Like a Lion, I bought Prisoner of Mountain from you. At that time you are 20s. Both of us young. We believe arthouse film market. So, I can't say anything now. good by.
HARRIS LASMANA
You are ever present in our hearts and I am at peace knowing you are in a better place. You are truly missed, but I feel blessed for your friendship. May god rest your soul in peace.
Robert Kessel
This is a huge loss to the film community as well as the world. Wouter was not only a huge supporter of filmmakers, but was also the rare person who could balance the business side of the industry with the personal. Very sad and we will all miss that smile at festivals...
Ellen Eliasoph
There are very few people who can build a global community of friends and colleagues out of vision, dreams and passion - like weaving a beautiful tapestry out of delicate threads. Wouter did this. What a wonderful, enduring gift he has left us.
<< Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 Next Page