Hein van Joolen

Hein van Joolen is the founder and owner of Gusto Entertainment, established in March 2015 with a mission to increase the audience for Dutch films in theaters. Van Joolen has a strong background in the film industry, serving on the board of both De Filmkrant and the Leiden International Film Festival since May 2016 and May 2015, respectively. Prior to Gusto, van Joolen co-founded Amongst Friends in January 2009, focusing on personal connections rather than profit. Other notable roles include dramaturge and developer at Kaap Holland Film, general manager and sales manager at Lumière Benelux, and sales positions at Benelux Film Distributors and Universal Pictures International. Van Joolen began their career in the film industry at Pathé Theatres as a service employee and secretary of the personnel council. Educational background includes studies at the University of Amsterdam and Amersfoortse Berg, with a VWO degree.