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

✨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

@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?

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!

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

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.

🎉 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

🏆 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

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

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

🏆 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

Free all political prisoners! chng.it/kdnSPZzsPh

Congratulations to all the winners!

🏆 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

🏆 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

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

Laugh, cry, fall in love, learn something 🫶🏻