Hans Pool

Looking for an Icon

Maaik Krijgsman, Hans Pool

Looking for an Icon examines the process by which photos become icons, revealing that once a photo is published, social forces are at work beyond the photographer's control. The film focuses on four World Press Photo winners, including Eddie Adams's 1968 photo of the public execution of a Viet Cong prisoner, an anonymous photographer's last image of Salvador Allende during the 1973 coup, Charlie Cole's 1989 photo of a lone student confronting tanks in Tiananmen Square, and David Turnley's 1991 photo of a grieving soldier during the first Gulf War.

The Right to Win

Hans Pool

Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost

Ten years after his tragic accident on the Imola circuit, Ayrton Senna remains a hero; a source of inspiration and a example for many to follow. In this new film, personal recollections from Formula One drivers and from relatives and friends give a passionate insight into his genius, his complicated personality and a deeper understanding of his motivation and deep commitment to motor racing.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World

Hans Pool

Eliot Higgins, Christiaan Triebert

A first-hand look into the revolutionary rise of the “citizen investigative journalist” collective known as Bellingcat. Comprised of various distinct personalities from around the globe, Bellingcat is an online association of talented and dedicated truth-seekers utilizing advanced digital research techniques to upend the world of journalism. De facto leader Eliot and his fellow researchers give us exclusive access into their tight-knit world as they demonstrate the unlimited power of open source investigation. In cases ranging from the MH17 disaster to the hidden crimes of the Syrian regime, the group’s power and growing global influence is examined and explored.

Views on Vermeer - 12 Short Stories

Hans Pool

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) left us a small oeuvre of only 36 paintings. Internationally, the power of his work is now more profound than ever. Blockbuster exhibitions, the novel and movie ‘Girl with a pearl earring’ caught a broad audience. Millions are touched by his work. What do we see in Vermeer that makes him so contemporary? The dignity of his painted ladies, the cinematic and photographic character of his images, the psychological impact, the serenity or apparent glimpse in our own everyday life? Influential contemporary artists, photographers and opinion leaders unravel the extraordinary and mysterious impact of this 17th century master in our day and age.

Poetins Olympische droom

Hans Pool

Putin’s Olympic Dream is about the rapid transformation of the city of Sochi. In just a couple of years it has to be refashioned from a nostalgic Soviet holiday resort, filled with gorgeous sanatoriums, into a modern Russian city. The Olympic Winter Games are held here in February 2014, and literally everything and everyone has to yield in order to turn this status project of President Putin into a success.

Vechtershart

Maaik Krijgsman, Hans Pool

A successful boxing career is also the goal of Badr Hari, but the tight training schedule that entails is very difficult for him. Rachid el-Haddad has been Dutch champion for years and has decided to give up boxing and start his own barber shop. Every penny is welcome now. In his perhaps very last fight he puts his Dutch title on the line. It's gonna be death or the gladiolus, or Victory or Hell.