Esther van Messel
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Feminism, Film, Entrepreneurship
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Welcome Ashleigh 💖
We're happy to announce that following a wonderful cooperation on Impact and Outreach for our theatrical releases in Switzerland we now have this amazing person working with us on international marketing as well!
www.firsthandfilms.com/ashleigh-bell
#FirstHandFilms #Family
We're happy to announce that following a wonderful cooperation on Impact and Outreach for our theatrical releases in Switzerland we now have this amazing person working with us on international marketing as well!
www.firsthandfilms.com/ashleigh-bell
#FirstHandFilms #Family
October 30, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Welcome Ashleigh 💖
We're happy to announce that following a wonderful cooperation on Impact and Outreach for our theatrical releases in Switzerland we now have this amazing person working with us on international marketing as well!
www.firsthandfilms.com/ashleigh-bell
#FirstHandFilms #Family
We're happy to announce that following a wonderful cooperation on Impact and Outreach for our theatrical releases in Switzerland we now have this amazing person working with us on international marketing as well!
www.firsthandfilms.com/ashleigh-bell
#FirstHandFilms #Family
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Following its fabulous premiere at #VeniceFilmFestival join us and watch the trailer of:
ELVIRA NOTARI - BEYOND SILENCE by Valerio Ciriaci
From the margins, Italy’s first woman film director returns to view.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Elvira...
ELVIRA NOTARI - BEYOND SILENCE by Valerio Ciriaci
From the margins, Italy’s first woman film director returns to view.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Elvira...
October 14, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Following its fabulous premiere at #VeniceFilmFestival join us and watch the trailer of:
ELVIRA NOTARI - BEYOND SILENCE by Valerio Ciriaci
From the margins, Italy’s first woman film director returns to view.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Elvira...
ELVIRA NOTARI - BEYOND SILENCE by Valerio Ciriaci
From the margins, Italy’s first woman film director returns to view.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Elvira...
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Honored and excited to present the legendary biopic of Miriam Makeba:
MAMA AFRICA by Mika Kaurismäki
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Mama+A...
#MiriamMakeba #MamaAfrica #SouthAfrica #PataPata #Anti-Apartheid #Freedom #Justice #Resistance #FirstHandFilms #Library #Documentary
MAMA AFRICA by Mika Kaurismäki
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Mama+A...
#MiriamMakeba #MamaAfrica #SouthAfrica #PataPata #Anti-Apartheid #Freedom #Justice #Resistance #FirstHandFilms #Library #Documentary
October 8, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Honored and excited to present the legendary biopic of Miriam Makeba:
MAMA AFRICA by Mika Kaurismäki
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Mama+A...
#MiriamMakeba #MamaAfrica #SouthAfrica #PataPata #Anti-Apartheid #Freedom #Justice #Resistance #FirstHandFilms #Library #Documentary
MAMA AFRICA by Mika Kaurismäki
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Mama+A...
#MiriamMakeba #MamaAfrica #SouthAfrica #PataPata #Anti-Apartheid #Freedom #Justice #Resistance #FirstHandFilms #Library #Documentary
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Proud to present a sneak preview of this brilliant historical testimony by an upcoming filmmaking team from Nazareth:
MAY OF THE COVENANT by Ward Jaraisi
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/May+of...
#Palestine #Nazareth #SaveGaza #FreePalestine #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
MAY OF THE COVENANT by Ward Jaraisi
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/May+of...
#Palestine #Nazareth #SaveGaza #FreePalestine #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
October 3, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Proud to present a sneak preview of this brilliant historical testimony by an upcoming filmmaking team from Nazareth:
MAY OF THE COVENANT by Ward Jaraisi
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/May+of...
#Palestine #Nazareth #SaveGaza #FreePalestine #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
MAY OF THE COVENANT by Ward Jaraisi
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/May+of...
#Palestine #Nazareth #SaveGaza #FreePalestine #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Selected for @unesco.org's Memory of the World Register (1001 carefully curated films), this film from 2003 is still, and again relevant:
ARNA'S CHILDREN by Juliano Mer Khamis
Palestinian theatre students use art as a weapon against the Occupation.
ARNA'S CHILDREN by Juliano Mer Khamis
Palestinian theatre students use art as a weapon against the Occupation.
September 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Selected for @unesco.org's Memory of the World Register (1001 carefully curated films), this film from 2003 is still, and again relevant:
ARNA'S CHILDREN by Juliano Mer Khamis
Palestinian theatre students use art as a weapon against the Occupation.
ARNA'S CHILDREN by Juliano Mer Khamis
Palestinian theatre students use art as a weapon against the Occupation.
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Premiering at the debut edition of #SXSWLondon today: PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB by Alaa 'Regash' Aliabdallah & Charlotte Knowles following a buzzworthy launch when pitched at Cannes Docs-in-Progress.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Palest...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Palest...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
June 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Premiering at the debut edition of #SXSWLondon today: PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB by Alaa 'Regash' Aliabdallah & Charlotte Knowles following a buzzworthy launch when pitched at Cannes Docs-in-Progress.
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Palest...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Palest...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
✨DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN – ein Musical, eine liebevolle Hommage an die Beziehung zwischen Müttern und Töchtern und an die Magie des Kochens.
🎬 Ab 12. Juni 2025 in Basel,kult.kino atelier, Biel Cinevital Rex, Luzern Capitol, Zürich Capitol und St. Gallen Scala
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
🎬 Ab 12. Juni 2025 in Basel,kult.kino atelier, Biel Cinevital Rex, Luzern Capitol, Zürich Capitol und St. Gallen Scala
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 2:33 PM
✨DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN – ein Musical, eine liebevolle Hommage an die Beziehung zwischen Müttern und Töchtern und an die Magie des Kochens.
🎬 Ab 12. Juni 2025 in Basel,kult.kino atelier, Biel Cinevital Rex, Luzern Capitol, Zürich Capitol und St. Gallen Scala
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
🎬 Ab 12. Juni 2025 in Basel,kult.kino atelier, Biel Cinevital Rex, Luzern Capitol, Zürich Capitol und St. Gallen Scala
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
@mcuban.bsky.social Are we preparing for winning? Midterms and 2028, if we do, it’ll be called ‘fake’, like now this economy is suddenly Biden‘s fault. Are we ready? Is there a plan on how to win and then keep that win?
May 1, 2025 at 7:12 PM
@mcuban.bsky.social Are we preparing for winning? Midterms and 2028, if we do, it’ll be called ‘fake’, like now this economy is suddenly Biden‘s fault. Are we ready? Is there a plan on how to win and then keep that win?
Reposted by Esther van Messel
United Nations Human Rights screenings in South Sudan & Tunisia of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL by Mohamed Jabaly made possible by the wonderful @fifdh.bsky.social OHCHR-Tunisia & UNISFA
Thank you for your hard work on the film's meaningful impact on your audiences, we couldn't ask for better partners!
Thank you for your hard work on the film's meaningful impact on your audiences, we couldn't ask for better partners!
May 1, 2025 at 9:49 AM
United Nations Human Rights screenings in South Sudan & Tunisia of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL by Mohamed Jabaly made possible by the wonderful @fifdh.bsky.social OHCHR-Tunisia & UNISFA
Thank you for your hard work on the film's meaningful impact on your audiences, we couldn't ask for better partners!
Thank you for your hard work on the film's meaningful impact on your audiences, we couldn't ask for better partners!
Reposted by Esther van Messel
British Airways, Kenyan Airways and American Airlines are streaming CALL ME DANCER by Leslie Shampaine & Pip Gilmour above the clouds!
Where to watch back here on earth: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Call+M...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Where to watch back here on earth: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Call+M...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
April 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM
British Airways, Kenyan Airways and American Airlines are streaming CALL ME DANCER by Leslie Shampaine & Pip Gilmour above the clouds!
Where to watch back here on earth: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Call+M...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Where to watch back here on earth: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Call+M...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Disney+ in Europe is now streaming GOLDEN AGE by Beat Oswald!
Extravaganza meets isolation in a dazzling contest. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, The Palace unveils Miami’s top-rated senior community—where glamour, parties, and business thrive. A vibrant yet complex world unfolds.
Extravaganza meets isolation in a dazzling contest. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, The Palace unveils Miami’s top-rated senior community—where glamour, parties, and business thrive. A vibrant yet complex world unfolds.
April 22, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Disney+ in Europe is now streaming GOLDEN AGE by Beat Oswald!
Extravaganza meets isolation in a dazzling contest. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, The Palace unveils Miami’s top-rated senior community—where glamour, parties, and business thrive. A vibrant yet complex world unfolds.
Extravaganza meets isolation in a dazzling contest. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, The Palace unveils Miami’s top-rated senior community—where glamour, parties, and business thrive. A vibrant yet complex world unfolds.
Reposted by Esther van Messel
🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate the talent and diverse voices from the 🏆 FIRST HAND FUND DIVERSITY CALL! 🏆 Seven unique projects embodying diversity, collaboration, and creativity were awarded, each representing a commitment to breaking barriers and embracing innovation.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
April 8, 2025 at 7:35 AM
🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate the talent and diverse voices from the 🏆 FIRST HAND FUND DIVERSITY CALL! 🏆 Seven unique projects embodying diversity, collaboration, and creativity were awarded, each representing a commitment to breaking barriers and embracing innovation.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
🏆 6/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
SEERA FILMS – where powerful stories from Asia, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world come to life. SEERA Films amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases diverse narratives with global impact.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
SEERA FILMS – where powerful stories from Asia, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world come to life. SEERA Films amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases diverse narratives with global impact.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
April 2, 2025 at 7:44 AM
🏆 6/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
SEERA FILMS – where powerful stories from Asia, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world come to life. SEERA Films amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases diverse narratives with global impact.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
SEERA FILMS – where powerful stories from Asia, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world come to life. SEERA Films amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases diverse narratives with global impact.
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
WOMEN CONQUER THE ART BUSINESS by Sarah Rathgeb produced by Esther van Messel has been invited to the Womens Voices Now Festival!
This film showcases women gallerists who reshaped the male-dominated art world.
Get tickets here: www.womensvoicesnow.org/women-conque...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
This film showcases women gallerists who reshaped the male-dominated art world.
Get tickets here: www.womensvoicesnow.org/women-conque...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
March 21, 2025 at 10:02 AM
WOMEN CONQUER THE ART BUSINESS by Sarah Rathgeb produced by Esther van Messel has been invited to the Womens Voices Now Festival!
This film showcases women gallerists who reshaped the male-dominated art world.
Get tickets here: www.womensvoicesnow.org/women-conque...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
This film showcases women gallerists who reshaped the male-dominated art world.
Get tickets here: www.womensvoicesnow.org/women-conque...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
A few years ago we couldn't image a world with wars like in previous centuries, yet here we are. In this film, we watch people who know how to make peace:
THE NEGOTIATORS - HOW TO MAKE PEACE by Rosalind Bain
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ne...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
THE NEGOTIATORS - HOW TO MAKE PEACE by Rosalind Bain
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ne...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
March 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM
A few years ago we couldn't image a world with wars like in previous centuries, yet here we are. In this film, we watch people who know how to make peace:
THE NEGOTIATORS - HOW TO MAKE PEACE by Rosalind Bain
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ne...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
THE NEGOTIATORS - HOW TO MAKE PEACE by Rosalind Bain
www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ne...
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
🏆 5/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
BE–IN is a platform that enhances visibility, networking, and accessibility in the film festival community through resources, education, and social media.
More information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
BE–IN is a platform that enhances visibility, networking, and accessibility in the film festival community through resources, education, and social media.
More information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
March 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
🏆 5/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
BE–IN is a platform that enhances visibility, networking, and accessibility in the film festival community through resources, education, and social media.
More information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
BE–IN is a platform that enhances visibility, networking, and accessibility in the film festival community through resources, education, and social media.
More information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Congratulations to all the winners!
Industry: Van Messel unveils First Hand Diversity Fund recipients - Business Doc Europe
“The idea was to give back to the industry after 25 amazing years,” says First Hand Films CEO and founder Esther van Messel.
businessdoceurope.com
March 23, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Congratulations to all the winners!
Reposted by Esther van Messel
🏆 2/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
PALARCTIC by Mohamed Jabaly for Tvibit
A Film Program for Nordic & Palestinian Filmmakers
Submit here: tvibit.net/palarctic-project
For more information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
PALARCTIC by Mohamed Jabaly for Tvibit
A Film Program for Nordic & Palestinian Filmmakers
Submit here: tvibit.net/palarctic-project
For more information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
March 12, 2025 at 8:42 AM
🏆 2/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
PALARCTIC by Mohamed Jabaly for Tvibit
A Film Program for Nordic & Palestinian Filmmakers
Submit here: tvibit.net/palarctic-project
For more information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
PALARCTIC by Mohamed Jabaly for Tvibit
A Film Program for Nordic & Palestinian Filmmakers
Submit here: tvibit.net/palarctic-project
For more information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
🏆 1/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
WE ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS by Magdalena Puzmujźniak
A hybrid doc exploring modern witches challenging the patriarchy through freedom, courage, and inclusivity.
For more information about our Fund: link in bio!
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
WE ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS by Magdalena Puzmujźniak
A hybrid doc exploring modern witches challenging the patriarchy through freedom, courage, and inclusivity.
For more information about our Fund: link in bio!
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
March 10, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🏆 1/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆
WE ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS by Magdalena Puzmujźniak
A hybrid doc exploring modern witches challenging the patriarchy through freedom, courage, and inclusivity.
For more information about our Fund: link in bio!
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
WE ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS by Magdalena Puzmujźniak
A hybrid doc exploring modern witches challenging the patriarchy through freedom, courage, and inclusivity.
For more information about our Fund: link in bio!
@esthervanmessel.bsky.social
Reposted by Esther van Messel
Award-winning WRITING HAWA by Najiba Noori & Ali Rasul Noori will have its Swiss premiere in the International Competition for Creative Documentaries @fifdh.bsky.social in Geneva this Sunday!
#FIFDH #Geneva #FemaleFilmmakers #HumanRights #WomensRights #Afghanistan #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
#FIFDH #Geneva #FemaleFilmmakers #HumanRights #WomensRights #Afghanistan #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
March 6, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Award-winning WRITING HAWA by Najiba Noori & Ali Rasul Noori will have its Swiss premiere in the International Competition for Creative Documentaries @fifdh.bsky.social in Geneva this Sunday!
#FIFDH #Geneva #FemaleFilmmakers #HumanRights #WomensRights #Afghanistan #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
#FIFDH #Geneva #FemaleFilmmakers #HumanRights #WomensRights #Afghanistan #FirstHandFilms #Documentary
Laugh, cry, fall in love, learn something 🫶🏻
First Hand Films Boards Sales On ‘Palestinian Comedy Club’ For EFM Launch
First Hand Films Boards Sales On ‘Palestinian Comedy Club’ For EFM Launch
deadline.com
February 5, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Laugh, cry, fall in love, learn something 🫶🏻