Based in Netherlands
Matthijs van Heijningen, with a background in photography and working on his father's films, has emerged as a highly acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller. Since 1999, he has been recognized as one of Europe's top commercial directors, creating remarkable work for renowned clients such as Centraal Beheer, Delta Lloyd, Lipton, Heineken, and Toyota. His commercials have received prestigious awards including Clios, Addys, Cannes Lions, and numerous festival accolades.
In 2010, van Heijningen gained further recognition for his acclaimed commercial "Closet" produced for Canal+. The spot, which humorously depicts the misadventures of a half-naked man caught in a compromising situation, garnered a Gold Clio, Andy, One Show, D&AD Yellow Pencil, Eurobest Grand Prix, AICP Advertising Excellence/International award, and a coveted Gold Lion at Cannes Advertising Film Festival.
In 2011, Matthijs ventured into feature filmmaking with Universal Pictures, directing the prequel to John Carpenter's classic, "The Thing," starring Joel Edgerton. The film premiered internationally to critical acclaim. Throughout his career, van Heijningen's approach emphasizes enjoyment, blending ironic comedy, strong narratives, and visually stunning aesthetics, evident from his early short films to his ambitious projects in advertising and feature films.
Website: