“Times they are(‘nt) changing…”
A film by Leonore Wijsmuller for and about Robbert Wijsmuller

“Two days before my father passed away he tells me he feels lonely and humiliated; somebody who’s achieved so much doesn’t deserve to leave behind such a legacy.” (Leonore Wijsmuller)

Film distributor Robbert Wijsmuller’s lifestory is remarkable: Robbert Wijsmuller was “larger-than-life...inspiring” (Carie Wijsmuller-Heerema, Jasper and Joris Peterich’s obituary in NRC Handelsblad September 10^th 2001).

Concorde Film
Dear daddy, you had such passion for film, for life. Both had to be stately and raucous. You’d comment: “A movie is only that when displayed on a big screen, with great imagery, great sound, great seats; without a break.” (Speech by Roderick Wijsmuller, son of, during the funeral.)

For years, Robbert Wijsmuller was the largest independent film distributor in The Netherlands. Like a tyrant he ran his company, Concorde Film, releasing the largest independently produced American movies like Amadeus, The Last Emperor, Dirty Dancing and Pulp Fiction in The Netherlands. This mainly came about due to his unique business style and his ability to spot excellence at an early stage.
Despite the fact that he lavishly treated people at festivals (varying from champagne and spaghetti to blini’s and meatballs) hardly anybody knew that he owed millions to various companies.
The industry was aware of the rumours. Yet, every year, he somehow managed to produce another hit and keep the creditors at bay.
Eventually, in an unfashionable Dutch way, he manages to lose it all; everything he’s built up goes up in smoke. This includes his private assets. To this day the bankruptcy has not been totally resolved.

Robbert Wijsmuller
Film distributor Robbert Wijsmuller, who passed away last Sunday, was a wonder –posh yet exuberant. Vividly he’d tell you how his mother would be beaten in front of his eyes in the Japanese internment camps during WWII: “Naughty girl!” He loved to imbibe—in murderous tempo he’d slam down hard liquor, making some of his best deals simply by out-drinking his competitors; he loved expensive food, he loved to show up in Cannes driving his Rolls and he was never to shy to point out his vinyards to the press whilst flying over them in a plane. And yet Wijsmuller wasn’t a snob. (Theo van Gogh, Filmkrant, September 2001)

The film
“It’s only a failure when you give up; message to pessimists and over-achievers.”.
(written on notepad found at RW's last address.)

Many people have come forth supplying material, interviews and information. Since March 29^th, 2005 a Commanditary Partnership has been set-up under the name “RW-film.” Both funds and independents are invited to participate in this project. Naturally, they will share in the profits.

Henny Vrienten is participating: he’s composing the soundtrack.

The premiere is scheduled on September 4^th 2006, invitees only (tuxedo required).
The Dutch Film Festival has offered to host the premiere where the documentary will have it’s first public viewing. AVE Concorde BV will release the movie.

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