Celebrated writer/director Sacha Polak and innovative producer Joram Willink join IFFR’s Supervisory Board

IFFR welcomes two new members to our Supervisory Board, and bids farewell to two long-standing and valued members.

Director and screenwriter Sacha Polak and producer Joram Willink will join the Supervisory Board, commencing from 10 July, 2025. In these pivotal monitoring and advisory roles, they will support the IFFR Board of Directors and the organisation with film sector expertise and bring their impressive Dutch and international industry networks. At the same time, we extend our deep gratitude to filmmaker Nanouk Leopold and producer Hanneke Niens, who are stepping down after seven years of committed support for IFFR.

“We would like to thank Nanouk and Hanneke for their deep knowledge, energy and commitment to IFFR. For seven years, both have contributed their expertise, supervising our Board of Directors through the uncertainties of the pandemic period and strategic change. We are confident that Sacha and Joram will continue this good work, ensuring IFFR remains relevant into the future and strengthening our connections with the Dutch and international film industry.” – Korrie Louwes, Chair of the Supervisory Board

Sacha Polak is a director and screenwriter known for her fearless and emotionally resonant storytelling. Her debut feature, Hemel (2012), premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the FIPRESCI Award. Her second film, Zurich (2015), also screened in Berlin, receiving the C.I.C.A.E. Award. With Dirty God (2019), her English-language debut and opening film of IFFR, she became the first Dutch filmmaker to be selected for the Sundance main competition. In her last film Silver Haze (2023), she worked again with Dirty God main actor, Vicky Knight, who won the Teddy award at Berlinale for her performance. Sacha brings an artistic voice and deep insight into independent filmmaking. 

“IFFR has always felt like home from my first year of film school to opening the festival with Dirty God. It’s where bold, personal stories are truly seen. I’m proud to help shape its future and stand beside the filmmakers who keep the Dutch and international film world moving forward.” – Sacha Polak

Joram Willink is an award-winning producer who, through his company BIND, focuses on socially engaged films. As a creative producer, he works closely with writers/directors to create stories that inspire social change. His works have garnered numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award, two Golden Calf awards for Best Film, a Berlinale Silver Bear, the Prix Europa and TIFF awards. Joram’s productions have regularly screened at IFFR and include Gluckauf (2015), El Houb – The Love  (2022) and Mascot (2023). Joram is a member of the ACE Network, the European Film Academy and an active member of the NAPA Dutch film producers’ association. He is also an alumnus of EAVE, Berlinale Talents and Binger Filmlab, and was recognised as an EFP Producer on the Move at Cannes 2019. He was honourably invited to the ‘People of Excellence’ lunch by His Majesty the King and the Queen of the Netherlands for winning De Tegel (Dutch Pulitzer Prize) for the documentary podcast series The Deventer Mediacase. 

“We are living through a period of significant transformation across many facets of our world, and the realm of cinema is no exception. In these times, storytelling has become more vital than ever; offering new insights, fostering empathy and connecting communities. I am excited to collaborate with the incredible team at IFFR to secure its future as a vital meeting place and platform for launching these cinematic experiences.” – Joram Willink

We’re excited to welcome Sacha and Joram to the Supervisory Board and thank Nanouk and Hanneke for their invaluable contributions to IFFR over the years.