About HUA Film Distribution

HUA Film Distribution is an independent film distribution company founded by Ruben van der Meer and Sally Lodewijks. Driven by a love for film and for the creators themselves. Because without the creators, there is no film to begin with. Yet, in the traditional industry, they usually get the short end of the stick. We believe that needs to change.

Who We Are

Sally Lodewijks
After studying Economics, Sally worked for years as a radio and television editor for iconic Dutch programs such as Zomergasten, Zeven Dagen, and Nova. Her passion for film and talent development led to the foundation of the Kinderpersbureau (Children's Press Bureau), creating weekly news broadcasts with primary school children. This was followed by IJmove, a film program for kids through which she realized two feature films. Additionally, she graduated from the Scriptacademy and produced several projects for the 48 Hour Film Project.

Ruben van der Meer
Following his training at the HB Studio in New York and the Acteer Studio in The Hague, Ruben achieved nationwide breakthrough as the face of Hakkûhbar (scoring a number 1 hit with Gabbertje). He went on to write and direct the sketch comedy shows Live-Opgenomen, Frøland, and Frø-Live alongside his childhood friends, longtime director Michael Winter, and starring in them next to Horace Cohen. Since then, Ruben has appeared in more than 80 film and high-end television titles. Ruben van der Meer was co-producer and lead actor in the acclaimed crime comedy Plan C by director Max Porcelijn. This experience perfectly aligns with the independent filmmaking spirit of HUA Film Distribution. (View his full IMDb profile).

Changing Course: From Dream to Distribution
Making our own feature film remained a distant dream for a long time because traditional funding applications at the Film Fund fell through. In 2022, we decided to do it all ourselves. Writing, financing, producing, directing (once again alongside Michael Winter), acting, and ultimately, handling the distribution. That adventure led to the launch of HUA Film Distribution and our very first independent feature film: Bad Slippers.

This was quickly followed by Duivinder, a film written by and starring the then 14-year-old Lisanne Hoefnagel. She realized this film together with her family and through crowdfunding. With its release through HUA, her dream came true. We are incredibly proud to have contributed to that milestone.

Our Mission
We love cinema, and we are always hunting for new, undiscovered gems. Our goal with HUA Film Distribution is to offer a broader platform for independent films and documentaries. Especially at a time when movie theaters are facing challenges, we believe the key lies in variety. Why only target the audiences that are already staying away? We firmly believe that the selection in cinemas should be much broader, bolder, and more diverse.

We want a stage that independent creators deserve.