THE TEAM
VEERLE ACKERSTAFF
they/them
Owner | Producer | Writer/Director
Veerle (they/them) lived for over 10 years with a mountain tribe on the border of Tibet, which became the birthplace of their writing and filmmaking career.
Now, back in The Netherlands, Veerle holds a master’s degree in Professional Writing and a degree in Film Directing, and is the founder and CEO of Break Free Films, a company that specializes in the creation of films and series that are urgent, diverse, and inspiring.
Veerle is committed to carving new paths for those underrepresented in the industry
CAATJE VAN LEEUWEN
she/her
Owner | Producer | Writer/Director
Writer/Director and producer Caatje van Leeuwen is co-owner of Break Free Films. Struggling with severe dyslexia, Caatje is an advocate for people with both visible and invisible disabilities.
In recent years, Caatje has realized multiple film projects and has proven to be a driving force for each project. Her films have won numerous international awards.
In addition, Caatje is committed to the development and implementation of the impact programs surrounding Break Free Academy productions.
LEX OBBENS
he/his
Project Manager | Graphic Design
At the age of 8, Lex learned to use iMovie from his dad. From then, he realized he could make films for the stories he was writing. His little brothers, friends and classmates... everyone who wanted to be in front of the camera got a role.
After high school, he took a filmmaking course where he learned the basics of every aspect that plays a part in filmmaking. In the following years, he produced and directed a documentary and a short fiction film.
In addition to his CMD studies, he made video's as a freelancer for multiple clients, where he gained a lot of practical experience.
In the production team of Dive Deep, Lex got involved with Break Free Films. Since then he has various roles in project management and production.
SUMAI YAHYA
he/him
Production Intern
Sumai Yahya is a writer and filmmaker. Besides directing, he also works in film production and cinematography.
He graduated with a BA in Film Production from Catalyst University in Berlin. He won the Young Campert Prize for best poet at the Wintertuin Festival in 2018 and was a member of the Slow Writing Lab in 2023. Additionally, his writings have been published in magazines such as MO* magazine and Hard//hoofd.
Within our team, Sumai focuses mainly on production tasks related to screenings and impact campaigns.
