Joanne Oldenbeuving appointed new Managing Director of Cinekid

With her broad experience, Oldenbeuving will further strengthen Cinekid’s position and shape its future direction. At the moment Cinekid is led ad interim by Nicolien Luttels, who will remain in office until July.

Joanne Oldenbeuving: "I am looking forward to working with the team at Cinekid! In a world where media surround us every day, it is vital that children learn to reflect, find meaning and discover their own voice." 

Eveline Aendekerk, chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Cinekid: "The Supervisory Board is very pleased with the appointment of Joanne Oldenbeuving as the new Managing Director of Cinekid. Joanne brings extensive experience from the media world and has proven in her current role as Managing Director of the Amsterdam Youth Theater School Foundation how strong her connection with youth and culture is. With her vision, energy and connecting leadership, we are confident that she will continue to build Cinekid as the international platform for children's film and media."

Joanne Oldenbeuving (1981) has been Managing Director of the Amsterdam Youth Theater School since 2021. Previously she was, among other things, director of VondelCS, the media and culture house of broadcaster AVROTROS, and head of the BNNVARA Academy. Her work focuses on talent development, creative innovation and social impact.

For almost 40 years Cinekid Festival has taken place every autumn vacation: the largest children's film and media festival in the world. Children can experience the latest films & series, games, media installations, workshops and master classes at the festival in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands. Cinekid aims to amaze, entertain, connect and contribute to the development of children into independent, conscious and thoughtful world citizens. In addition to the public program, the festival also offers a program for professionals working in the national and international youth media industry. Throughout the year, Cinekid reaches many children with an audience and education program. Thanks to the support of funds and partners and the award of the four-year grant within the Arts Plan, Cinekid will be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

For the fifth year in a row, Pathé Amsterdam Noord is the main location during the festival. The largest Cinekid MediaLab can also be found here: no less than 1000 m2. Every year, more than 40 theaters in the Netherlands and Curaçao celebrate Cinekid Festival. Of these, eight are national theaters that are “satellite locations” with their own MediaLab. Cinekid Festival will take place this year from October 11 through October 26.