Meet our team: Georgie
07 September 2023
Every year, the IFFR team works diligently up to those eleven magical days in the new year where – if only for a little while – cinema from all over the world engulfs Rotterdam in a short but passionate love affair. For this series we’re putting a spotlight on the people working hard behind the scenes to make this all happen.
Introduce yourself!
My name is Georgie Kusbiantoro, I grew up in Heemskerk (a town in North-Holland) and am now based in Leiden.
What do you do at IFFR?
My official title is “Coordinator Donations, Mecenaat and Events”.
I am involved in various donor-related matters; from managing the mailbox to organising donor events. Additionally, I coordinate the events organised by the Funding & Business Growth team.
What tip would you give festival-goers?
To avoid decision making stress, I often start by choosing a time slot and then see what is playing and what appeals to me. For example, during the last edition, I had some time available at 10.00 AM. That's when I watched Geylang by Boi Kwong, a film that I wouldn't have picked based solely on the description but I had a great time nonetheless. That's what I love most about festivals – the element of surprise. With such a vast selection, it's easier to narrow down choices by setting some restrictions.
What is your favourite IFFR film so far?
That I saw during the festival, Letzter Abend. I didn't necessarily plan to see this film but during the opening I spoke to filmmaker Lukas Nathrath, who asked me to come because he was afraid the screening room wouldn't be full for his premiere. In the end, all seats were taken and the film is now shown in cinemas. It was the first film I saw during the festival, so it was off to a good start!
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see everything I wanted during IFFR 2023. After the festival, I saw The Blue Caftan, which I really loved. Now, whenever I go to the cinema and come across an IFFR title, I can enjoy the festival a little bit longer!
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Definitely an early bird. I’m happy to wake up half an hour earlier if that means I can extend my morning ritual: a nice, calm breakfast, a puzzle book, and my cat on my lap before the morning rush starts.
What’s the last book you read?
Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory, by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. A collection of funny and touching short stories about love and relationships. For those who have read it, my favourites are the one with the goat offerings and ‘We will be close on 18 July’. For those who haven't read it, I definitely recommend it!
One thing people at IFFR don’t know about me is ….
I really like to knit. It started with knitting a sock during the first lockdown. Now I have piles of sweaters I have knitted myself. I always have a project with me for a train ride and recently I started learning how to spin wool. Knitting is not just for grannies – at least that's what I tell myself.
