About

Founded in 2016 by producers and longtime friends Derk-Jan Warrink and Koji Nelissen, Keplerfilm develops and produces a broad range of films, from local productions to international (co)productions. The company produced the Dutch Oscar entry BULADÓ (Eché Janga), Tribeca winner PINK MOON (Floor van der Meulen), Rose d’Or winning TV Series TALKING HEADS (Menno Otten), and the 2025 number 1 box office hit OUR GIRLS in the Netherlands. Keplerfilm has also co-produced award-winning films such as Cannes Caméra d’Or winner ARMAND (Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel) and Semaine de la Critique Grand Prize winner FEATHERS (Omar El Zohairy). Through EAVE, ACE, and Binger Filmlab, Koji and Derk-Jan expanded their international network, and in 2022, Keplerfilm was selected as one of THE EURO 75 by Screen International, highlighting Europe’s leading independent producers.

Since its inception, Keplerfilm has worked to build a solid foundation for filmmaking talent to grow and develop through initiatives such as the Kepler Residency, where selected Dutch writers develop their projects at a secluded location, and Tipping Point, a script development competition awarding three filmmakers a €20,000 grant to develop a first draft on an environmental theme. By encouraging filmmakers to find their personal voices, think boldly, and experiment with their storytelling, Keplerfilm aims to create high-quality, heartfelt films that resonate with a wide audience.

Koji Nelissen

Producer / Founding partner

Graduated in 2005 from the Netherlands Film Academy, Koji attended EAVE in 2010 and joined the ACE Producers Network in 2017. In 2022 he is selected as one of 12 producers for the first ACE Leadership Special. Koji is actively involved as a mentor for IFFR’s Cinemart and a finance consultant for the annual ACE Producers program.

Derk-Jan Warrink

Producer / Founding partner

Derk-Jan Warrink graduated from the Netherlands Film Academy in 2009 where he received the Dutch NVS Award for Most Talented Young Producer. After his graduation he started working as a producer for Lemming Film. Derk-Jan took part in the Binger Filmlab, Berlinale Talent Campus and attended EAVE in 2014 to expand his expertise and international network.

Leanne Peters

Head of Business

Leanne has been an essential part of Keplerfilm since 2019. She has a Master’s degree in Film and Television studies from the UU and has been working in the industry for several years. As ‘Head of Business’ at Keplerfilm, she is responsible for a.o. managing projects, financing, applications and contracts.

Sarieke Hoeksma

Head of Development / Story Editor

Sarieke Hoeksma joined Keplerfilm as a story editor from the start. After graduating from the UvA Film Studies MA, she took part in Torino Scriptlab 2019 as story editor trainee, the Six Days of Practice-workshop by Franz Rodenkirchen and Françoise von Roy, the 3-day Advanced Development workshop by Emmanuel Oberg and the FilmForward Workshop on Inclusivity.

Cherise Kneefel

Head of Productions

Cherise came aboard team Keplerfilm in the spring of 2020 as Production Coordinator. Cherise graduated the BA Mediastudies at the UvA in 2012 and has since worked as a production manager for a wide range of Dutch productions. For Keplerfilm, she coordinates our projects in several stages of production.

Sytse Kuilman

Finance Manager

Sytse joined Keplerfilm in 2025 as Finance Manager. He holds a degree in Media and Culture and started his career running his own production company, focusing on commercials. He went on to work as a Production Manager and Line Producer for various production companies, as well as for the Netherlands Film Fund, gaining hands-on experience in film production. With his background in both production and finance, he helps ensure that Keplerfilm’s projects are carefully structured and financially well managed.

Gianna van Stokkom

Marketing & Office coordinator

Gianna joined Keplerfilm in 2024 after completing her master’s in Film Studies at the University of Amsterdam and an Erasmus minor in Kent focused on film marketing and distribution. As the Marketing & Office Coordinator, Gianna is responsible for film festival submissions, marketing traffic, office operations, and supporting Keplerfilm’s productions across a variety of tasks.

Susan Schoonwater

Development & Production Coordinator

Susan came aboard the Keplerfilm team in 2026, after working for four years as junior producer at Isabella Films. With a master’s in Film Studies specializing in dramaturgy, she has a keen eye for new talent and was involved in organizing the VERS Film Festival for several years. As Development & Production Coordinator, she supports the writing and visual designing of film fund applications, conducts research and assists with general production tasks.

Patou ten Cate

Production Coordinator

Patou graduated from the Netherlands Film Academy in 2022, where she received the NAPA Award for emerging producer talent. She is a production professional with a background in line producing and production management across a wide range of film and television projects, both nationally and internationally. She has been responsible for budgeting, scheduling, logistics, and coordinating production teams, with a strong focus on clear communication. In 2026, Patou joined Keplerfilm as Production Coordinator, supporting productions across various stages in close collaboration with Cherise.