Welcome!
My name is Emma Branderhorst, I’m a director for film and commercial. In my work I find it extremely important to show a realistic representation through story-telling. My work is pure, taken from real-life, but with a cinematic touch. Through powerful and independent female protagonists I intentionally tell stories from a feminine perspective. All three my short films (Ma Mere et Moi, Spotless and Under the Skin) have premiered at the Berlinale Generation. For Spotless we won the Crystal Bear in 2022. With Spotless we were the Dutch Short film entry for the Oscars 2023. I won two Young Director Awards in Cannes in 2022 and 2023. At this moment I’m working on my first feature length film.
Love,
Films

Ma Mere, et Moi
With this film I would like to address the complex theme; mother-daughter relationship. This relationship is so universal and full of tension and drama. My relationship with my mother is rather multifaceted and I would like to capture this in a film, in a light-hearted, playful way that everyone can identify with.
Spotless
Menstrual products are seen as a luxury product in the Netherlands and many counties leaving women who can’t afford these products helpless. Spotless tells the story of many unheard women, and aims to open up the conversation and breaking the taboo about period poverty.


Under the Skin
The struggle and urge to belong to a group, at the expense of others. I became aware of this when watching famous American films, but in real-life this often happens in a very subtle devious way. In this film, I wanted to show how this kind of bullying can metaphorically get under your skin.
Femme
Femme was my first real film. While researching the relationship between siblings, I came across a weblog in which boys talk about their sexual development and that this is sometimes projected onto their sister. I wanted to explore this further through the film Femme.

Commercials
For my commercial work I am represented by Pink Rabbit (Netherlands) and The Cornershop (UK & US)

McDonald’s - Vacation Love

Plus - Spring tickles

McDonald’s - Summer of Love

Zeeman
About Emma
My name is Emma Branderhorst, a 27-year-old director from Amsterdam. In my work I mainly deal with major social themes, which I make into a personal and intimate story. My stories are mostly from the female perspective. In my previous work I have dealt with themes such as period poverty, children of war and bullying. Although these themes sound heavy, I always try to apply a light tone. The ‘slice of life’ effect is very important in my work which is how I am able to make the characters feel ‘alive’ and that the story doesn’t only focus on the problem.

Contact
For all film, spokesperson. etc enquiries please contact
Features Creative Agency
Barbara Rasker