IDFA Welcomes Legal Expert Orçun Ersungur to Supervisory Board, Focusing on Social Justice
The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and the IDFA Bertha Fund (IBF) have announced the official appointment of Orçun Ersungur to their Supervisory Board, effective October 1, 2024. Ersungur, born in 1992, has been a trainee on the board since 2023 and has now taken on an official role, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in corporate law, sustainability, and social justice.
Ersungur's path to the Supervisory Board was shaped by his education at the Blikverruimers Academy, a Dutch institute focused on refreshing supervisory boards by involving younger professionals. He has previously worked as a corporate law attorney and currently serves as legal counsel in the sustainable energy sector. Ersungur is known for his advocacy for diversity and inclusion, especially the empowerment of minorities in corporate settings.
During his time as a trainee, Ersungur made a significant impact at IDFA, according to Marry de Gaay Fortman, chair of the Supervisory Board. "Orçun made a valuable contribution to IDFA and IBF. His appointment strengthens the board with a young, engaged professional who truly has his heart in the right place," said Fortman. She also highlighted his ability to represent the perspectives of ambitious young professionals, an essential asset in today’s evolving global landscape.
Ersungur's commitment to societal change has been demonstrated through various initiatives aimed at bridging the corporate world with broader issues like sustainability and social justice. He has consistently emphasized the importance of both internal and external support in addressing these challenges. As a Supervisory Board member, he will continue to champion these causes, adding a fresh perspective to the board's decision-making processes.
The current Supervisory Board includes prominent members like Sandra den Hamer, Henk Siebren de Jong, Michael Kembel, Femke van der Laan, and Julia Noordegraaf, all serving under the leadership of Marry de Gaay Fortman. However, the board also announced that due to time constraints, actor and director Ramsey Nasr has stepped down from his position.
As the IDFA and IBF continue to expand their influence in the world of documentary filmmaking, Ersungur's appointment underscores the festival's ongoing commitment to social justice, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring that these values remain at the forefront of their work.