Dutch FilmWorks

Dutch FilmWorks B.V. is a Dutch film distributor founded in 1998, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, focusing on Benelux rights mainly to release films theatrically, on DVD, Blu-ray and VOD. They are also a publisher and distributor of books and magazines.

They have recently released several TV series in the CBS library on DVD, under license from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.

In 2022, StudioCanal acquired a majority stake in Dutch FilmWorks.

Background
Dutch Filmworks purchases film licenses and releases these in the Benelux, and has a distribution library of over 2,500 titles. Large titles distributed by Dutch FilmWorks include Exorcist: The Prequel, The Grudge, The Aviator, Unleashed, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Final Cut and Saw, as well as Dutch products such as the television series Westenwind and the film 06/05.

'The House of Knowledge' is a separate branch of the business that distributes documentaries, including those from Discovery Channel.

'Moefieklub' was a separate branch of the business that distributes Children’s movies/tv shows, including those from Junior. The company was founded in late 2005 and the company is defunct in early 2010s. I don’t think they distributed films on Blu-Ray and VHS. Like David El Gnomo and Sesame Street. The company sold it’s NTR sales to JustBridge in late 2011.

In June 2022, French company StudioCanal acquired a majority stake in Dutch FilmWorks, adding the company to StudioCanal's vast belt of successful television and film companies in Europe. DFW will focus on both movies and television, with its management and operations unchanged. StudioCanal's first collaboration with Dutch FilmWorks is an adaptation of the Magical Pharmacy book series, co-produced by DFW and StudioCanal's German arm.

Legal
Dutch FilmWorks submitted plans, on 17 March 2023, to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) to work with ISP's to combat “the unlawful dissemination of copyright protected works”. This involved connecting the names and addresses of known IP addresses involved in disseminating copyrighted material. The Dutch Data Protection Authority published their draft judgement, which would grant permission to Dutch FilmWorks, after a period for public comment which lasts until 25 August 2023.

Legal enforcement has been challenging, with some ISPs refusing to provide the names and addresses of customers. A lawsuit brought against Ziggo in 2019, by Dutch FilmWorks, was found to be without basis by the Central Netherlands Court. The ruling found that Ziggo did not need to provide names and addresses of customers to Dutch FilmWorks based on privacy concerns.

Filmography

 * Reasonable Doubt (2014)
 * Captain Nova (2021)
 * Knokke Off (2023; series)