Koen Suidgeest

Koen Suidgeest

Koen Suidgeest is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and photographer from the Netherlands.12 He is a graduate of the Film Department of the University of the Creative Arts in England.3

Suidgeest started his career as a cinematographer working on commercial campaigns, feature films, corporate projects, and documentary films.3 In 2002, he turned his focus exclusively to creating his own documentary projects, with a strong interest in socially engaged projects related to human rights.34

Some of Suidgeest's notable works include:

• Casting (2006), which made him the first Dutch filmmaker to be nominated for a Spanish Academy Award (Goya)3
• Karla's Arrival (2011), a multiple award-winning documentary selected for more than 40 film festivals and broadcast in 14 countries3

Suidgeest has also directed two commissioned documentaries on LGBT issues around the globe.2 He is currently producing his first photo book, entitled Why I Cry On Airplanes.2

In addition to his filmmaking and photography work, Suidgeest is a teacher and TED speaker.1 He is also an alumnus of the Up with People program, where he traveled as a student and staff member in the late 1980s.2