Filmsbazaar was founded in 2009. After having screened more than 10’000 projects since the start of First Hand Films in 1998, the team felt that some of the films they had to pass on should find their own stage to shine. Filmsbazaar.com is that stage.

First Hand Films, founded and run by Esther van Messel, is a leading independent film distributor. The boutique outfit handles around 300 international licenses and serves more than 1000 clients worldwide. FHF acts as creative executive producer for selected projects and is present at all major festivals around the year, with booths and stands at the main markets - Berlin, Cannes, Mip, La Rochelle and Amsterdam.

First Hand Films have competed in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Rotterdam, Locarno, Sundance, Toronto and many other festivals. Its very first pick-up went on to receive the Oscars for Best Documentary Feature. Since then, most First Hand Films have won awards: Emmy, Prix Europa, IDFA main awards, Biarritz, Banff, Grimme-Preis, Grand Prix Nyon, National Film Awards, European Film Awards, Silver Leopards, Golden Rose Montreux and more.

In 2009, First Hand Films have been seen by many millions of people.
On Filmsbazaar.com, we want to multiply that interest.