The Distributor

From the ashes of a wartime internment camp, a force of nature emerged. Robbert Wijsmuller (1940-2001) was more than just a man; he was the undisputed titan of Dutch independent film distribution, a bon vivant with an uncanny nose for marketing, and a visionary who brought Hollywood glamour to the the Netherlands. With over 1,700 titles under exclusive Benelux rights to cinematic gems, Wijsmuller shaped a nation's silver screen. A man of distinctive charisma, Robbert was known for his sharp wit, always behind round glasses, and a a characteristic, distinguished gentleman. He was a smooth operator, garnering accolades like the Silver Rose and the Golden Calf, chairing the Dutch Cinema Association, and revolutionizing the industry with the introduction of the current BTS tariff. He charmed movie stars and brought them to Dutch soil, his life a whirlwind of ambition and unparalleled success. But even giants can fall. In 1999, the empire he so meticulously built crumbled in a devastating bankruptcy, a blow from which he would never recover. This is the compelling, untold story of a man whose passion defined an era, whose spirit was forged in hardship in a Japanese internment camp, and whose tragic downfall ultimately led to his passing. Prepare for a cinematic journey into the heart of a true industry legend.