Movies that Matter moves to a single-director structure amid financial pressure
Movies that Matter will move forward with a single-director structure as of 16 April 2026. Artistic Director-Trustee Margje de Koning will take on the role of Managing Director-Trustee. Laurens Korteweg, who has served as Business Director-Trustee since September 2023, will leave the organisation following a carefully planned transition period. The decision has been taken in response to ongoing financial pressure and is aimed at safeguarding the organisation’s future. 05 February, 2026
By simplifying its governance structure, Movies that Matter seeks to minimise cuts to its artistic programme, impact activities and international collaboration. The organisation remains on a strong artistic footing. Since last year, the Movies that Matter Festival has been an Academy Award®-qualifying festival, and its most recent edition received the highest audience rating in the festival’s history.
Margje de Koning comments:
“Precisely because the artistic and societal content of Movies that Matter is so strong, Laurens and I jointly decided, as the executive board, to make adjustments to the organisation’s structure and operations. It is painful to have to say goodbye so soon to a talented and highly valued colleague with whom I have worked closely and with great pleasure. This difficult decision allows us to stay focused on what Movies that Matter stands for: presenting human rights films and facilitating meaningful dialogue around them, even in challenging times for human rights worldwide.”
Laurens Korteweg adds:
“With the continuity of the organisation in mind, this is the right decision. The organisation’s business foundations are solid, with talented people in the right roles across the board. I leave behind a wonderful community of dedicated professionals. I am confident that this transition enables Movies that Matter to continue pursuing its mission as effectively as possible, and I have full confidence in the direction that Margje and I have set together.”
According to Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You, Chair of the Supervisory Board:
“The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board have prepared and taken this decision with great care. It responds to ongoing financial pressure, a situation felt widely across the cultural sector. As a Supervisory Board, we have full confidence in the continuation of Movies that Matter’s course within this new organisational structure, under Margje de Koning’s committed leadership.”
Laurens Korteweg will remain with Movies that Matter until 15 April 2026 to ensure a careful handover and to safeguard continuity.
Photo: Wilke Geurds
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