“For me it's always very important that I can be myself and that I am honest.”- Marleen Slot

After working for many years as a producer at Lemming Film, Marleen Slot founded Viking Film in 2011. Marleen studied Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam and specialised in Media Entertainment. In 2007 she attended the EAVE producer’s training and in 2009 she participated in ACE, the workshop and network of European producers. Besides this, she was president of the NFTVM (Association of New Film and Television Makers) from 2008 until 2010 and presently she is a member of the Board of ACE and of the Film Producers Netherlands association. In 2013 she was selected Producer on the Movie during the Cannes Film Festival.  Recently the movie Zurich, directed by Sacha Polak produced by Marleen was screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival. Zurich is a unique, artfully-constructed and narratively-complex road movie. After his death, Nina discovers that her great love, truck driver Boris, had been leading a double life. Struggling with her feelings she commits an almost unforgivable deed and flees. She goes to ground in the anonymous world of motorways and service stations. Once again, she finds herself in a long-distance lorry driver’s bed. He even introduces her to his children, before she ends up back on the road, a woman alone with her grief and unable to express herself — except when she sings. Abhijit Ganguly spoke to Marleen about her journey.

Please tell us about Viking film. What motivated you to start it?

I worked in a bigger production company (Lemming Film) for seven years and felt the time was right to start my own company. I wanted to take more risk and responsibility.

What kind of work/projects are you most interested in?

I am interested in three different kinds of films, on the one hand Arthouse films like Zurich, that have a certain crossover potential and are made not only in the Netherlands but also in the international market. Besides that, I also produce children's films. In the Netherlands there is a big industry for this. And I am also producing animated films, especially stop motion animation. 

What has been the most memorable moment for you so far?

The premiere of ZURICH at the Berlinale was really great.

Did you face any challenges being women in this field?

In the Netherlands it is quite common to be a female producer, but sometimes people think I am a bit young and that can be a challenge.

Marleen at the  Kolkata International Film Festival

What sort of advice would you give a young girl that is interested in following in your footsteps?

I have learned a lot from working in the bigger company and assisting the two producers from that company for a long time. For me it worked very well to take little steps at the time. Starting as an intern and in the end developing myself as a producer. And for me, it's always very important that I can be myself and that I'm involved and honest. I think that is something that will bring you far in life.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am working on a new film with director Sacha Polak, called JADE. And furthermore, I have just shot the feature film MONK.