Hannah van Tassel wins the NPO Documentaire Talent Award 2024
Director Hannah van Tassel has been named the winner of the NPO Documentaire Talent Award 2024 for her film project ADRIFT. The award was presented during the NPO Doc event at IDFA, held at Het Groene Paleis in Amsterdam.
Six up-and-coming filmmakers showcased their projects to an audience of Dutch public broadcasters, producers, and industry professionals before jury chair Suzanne Raes announced Van Tassel as the recipient.
In its report, the jury praised the originality and ambition of ADRIFT: "We aim to celebrate an original voice—someone who brings a fresh perspective to the world, paired with a subject of real urgency. This award goes to a filmmaker unafraid to take creative risks, whose sharp eye turns a local story into one with universal impact. The accompanying teaser convinced us of the poetic and deeply human approach envisioned for this project."
Van Tassel developed her proposal as part of IDFA Project Space NL, a program created in collaboration with the NPO Fund. Over the course of several months, six selected filmmakers worked closely with producers and received guidance from mentors, including directors Marjoleine Boonstra and Beri Shalmashi and producer Renko Douze. Together, they refined their ideas into polished film proposals and compelling teasers.
The NPO Documentary Talent Award comes with a €25,000 development grant, provided by the NPO Fund, which will enable Van Tassel to further develop ADRIFT in collaboration with a broadcaster. The project will then be eligible for a production grant from the fund.
This prestigious award, formerly known as the Karen de Bok Talent Prize, has previously been won by notable talents such as Shamira Raphaëla, Emma Lesuis, and last year’s winner, Faydim Ramshe.
