Year Founded: 2009

Filmsbazaar was founded in 2009. After having screened more than 10’000 projects since the start of First Hand Films in 1998, the team felt that some of the films they had to pass on should find their own stage to shine. Filmsbazaar.com is that stage.

All films on Filmsbazaar.com have been categorized carefully and are selected from a wide range of films. The categories are easily findable and the search function is detailed, an overview is given at any time. Films can be sorted alphabetically and / or according to their production date, a separate selection shows all new films, collections, or simply the extensive list of all titles. Recent additions and Social News are available at any time as well.

Every year, First Hand Films is offered more than a thousand projects, films and formats. On Filmsbazaar.com we have created an independent space for those that want to be presented in an edited framework that gives buyers, colleagues and audience a clear and simple selection of the authenticity that's out there.

First Hand Films, founded and run by Esther van Messel, is a leading independent film distributor. The boutique outfit handles around 300 international licenses and serves more than 1000 clients worldwide. FHF acts as creative executive producer for selected projects and is present at all major festivals around the year, with booths and stands at the main markets - Berlin, Cannes, Mip, La Rochelle and Amsterdam.

First Hand Films have competed in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Rotterdam, Locarno, Sundance, Toronto and many other festivals. Its very first pick-up went on to receive the Oscars for Best Documentary Feature. Since then, most First Hand Films have won awards: Emmy, Prix Europa, IDFA main awards, Biarritz, Banff, Grimme-Preis, Grand Prix Nyon, National Film Awards, European Film Awards, Silver Leopards, Golden Rose Montreux and more.