Suzanne Raes is a celebrated Dutch film director and screenwriter best known for her work in the award-winning films, ‘The Heineken Kidnapping’ (2011) and ‘The Resistance Banker’ (2018).
Raes was born in Utrecht, Netherlands in 1973. Her father was a veterinarian and her mother was an art teacher. She attended the Utrecht School of Arts and graduated with a degree in film directing.
Raes’s first feature length film was ‘The Heineken Kidnapping’ (2011). The film was based on the historic 1983 kidnapping of the brewery heir Freddy Heineken. The film was a commercial and critical success and won four Golden Calves for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress at the Netherlands Film Festival.
Raes’s next film was ‘The Resistance Banker’ (2018), which was based on the true story of Dutch banker Walraven van Hall who helped finance the Dutch resistance during World War II. The film won several awards, including Best Picture at the Netherlands Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
In addition to her feature films, Raes has made several short films and television pilots. She has directed episodes of the Dutch series ‘The Prey’ and ‘The Resistance’ and the television movie ‘The Fisherman’s Wife’.
Raes has been recognized for her work by organizations such as the Netherlands Film Academy, the European Film Academy, and the International Film Academy. She has also been nominated for several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Raes is an active member of the Dutch film community and is a passionate advocate for female filmmakers. She is a founding member of the Dutch Female Film Makers Foundation, an organization that supports female filmmakers in the Netherlands.
Raes’s work is characterized by its gripping storylines, vivid cinematography, and strong performances. She is renowned for her ability to create emotionally-charged and thought-provoking films that challenge the audience to confront difficult issues. Her films have been praised for their intelligence and insight, and she has become one of the most respected filmmakers in Holland.
