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First Hand Films

Last updated
First Hand Films
Company type Private
Industry Film industry
Founded1998
Founder
Headquarters
Zurich
,
Switzerland
Area served
  • Switzerland
Website www.firsthandfilms.com

First Hand Films is a Swiss independent film production, sales agency and theatrical distribution company based in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1998 by Esther van Messel, the company is known for its work with international documentaries and selected fiction projects, representing films to distributors, platforms, broadcasters and festivals worldwide.

Contents

History

First Hand Films was founded in Zurich in 1998 by Esther van Messel as a documentary sales and distribution company. [1] In its early years, the company established itself in the international non-fiction market through worldwide sales acquisitions, including early titles such as The Long Way Home, which later received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. [2]

During the 2000s, First Hand Films became active in representing documentaries premiering at major international festivals. In 2008, the company handled international sales for Corridor #8 and Brides of Allah, both presented in the International Forum at the Berlin International Film Festival. [3]

In 2009, the company launched Filmsbazaar.com, an online platform designed to connect independent filmmakers with buyers and financiers. [4] In 2011, First Hand Films expanded into in-house production with the creation of Kiss the Frog Films GmbH, focusing on original documentary and transmedia projects alongside co-productions and executive production work. [5]

In 2020, First Hand Films launched the First Hand Fund in partnership with Austrian investor BSX Graz to support larger documentary, series and feature productions with social and political themes. [6]

Through the 2010s and 2020s, the company continued to handle international sales for documentaries premiering at festivals including IDFA, Venice, Berlinale, CPH:DOX and Hot Docs. Titles represented by the company during this period included Hobbyhorse Revolution (2017), [7] A-ha: The Movie (2020), [8] Lost Boys (2021), [9] Trust Me (2021), [9] Name of the Game (2021), [10] 300 Trillion – The Debt Trap (2022), [11] Life Is Not a Competition But I Am Winning (2023), [12] Call Me Dancer (2023), [13] Writing Hawa (2024), [14] House of Hope (2025), [15] Elvira Notari:Beyond Silence (2025) [16] and Yo (Love Is a Rebellious Bird) (2026). [17]

References

  1. ↑ Macnab, Geoffrey (2023-05-03). "BDE interview: Esther van Messel, First Hand Films". Business Doc Europe. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  2. ↑ Green, Jennifer. "First Hand Films takes int'l rights on Truth & Lies". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  3. ↑ Blaney, Martin. "First Hand shakes on Corridor #8, Brides Of Allah". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  4. ↑ "First Hand Films Create Filmsbazaar". Nordisk Film & TV Fond. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  5. ↑ Cooper, Sarah. "First Hand Films moves into production". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  6. ↑ Cunningham, Nick (2020-10-26). "First Hand Films partners with investor on new fund; Hansen departs". Business Doc Europe. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  7. ↑ Mitchell, Wendy. "First Hand boards sales on Finnish doc 'Hobbyhorse Revolution'". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  8. ↑ Ravindran, Manori (2020-02-23). "'A-ha: The Movie' on 'Take on Me' Band to Receive Worldwide Release (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  9. 1 2 Pham, Annika (2021-04-14). "Justin Bieber Concert Fraudster Documentary Is Boarded By First Hand Films (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  10. ↑ Abbatescianni, Davide (2021-11-14). "First Hand Films Picks Up IDFA Frontlight Doc 'Name of the Game' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  11. ↑ Ravindran, Manori (2022-12-21). "'300 Trillion – The Debt Trap' Documentary, From Rudolph Herzog, Acquired by First Hand Films, Unveils Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  12. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (2023-08-25). "Documentary About Gender in Athletics 'Life Is Not a Competition But I Am Winning' Acquired by First Hand Films Ahead of Venice Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  13. ↑ Macnab, Geoffrey. "US 'Billy Elliot'-style doc 'Call Me Dancer' sells to Toei for Japan for First Hand Films (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  14. ↑ "Afghan women documentary 'Writing Hawa' boarded for sales ahead of IDFA premiere (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  15. ↑ Goodfellow, Melanie (2025-10-27). "First Hand Films Boards West Bank Waldorf School Doc 'House Of Hope' – IDFA". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  16. ↑ Vivarelli, Nick (2025-08-30). "'Elvira Notari: Beyond Silence' About Italy's First Female Film Director Acquired by First Hand Films Ahead of Venice Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  17. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (2026-01-20). "First Hand Films Acquires 'YO Love Is a Rebellious Bird' Ahead of World Premiere in Berlinale Competition (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
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