Director & Producer

Gifts from Babylon is a short film exploring the psychological impact of Africa-EU migration through the lens of a Gambian return-migrant. The film was shot in the Gambia, West-Africa andcaptures the personal conflicts that arise when Modou, a deported refugee, returns to his home country after having lived illegally in Europe for five years.

Gifts from Babylon is inspired by true stories from young Africans chasing the European dream. In 2007 Bas Ackermann set up a creative studio in The Gambia, West Africa. Now, 12 years later, working with local creatives and host community actors, it adds a deeper layer to the storytelling aspect of this film.

“Gifts from Babylon” has been screened over 30 international film festival around the world.

giftsfrombabylon.com

• Cinematography by Stef Kwinten

• Produced by Emiel Marten

• Design by Sander Brouwers

• Grading by de Grot

Sr. Art Director

I had the opportunity to lead the rebranding efforts for Seepje, a premier Dutch sustainable personal care brand with a global footprint.

My responsibilities encompassed guiding the development of new concepts, formulating strategies, executing campaigns, and driving content creation.

I facilitated collaboration between our in-house team and a talented pool of freelance creatives, ensuring a unified approach to our brand's evolution.

This concerted effort helped solidify Seepje's standing as a frontrunner in the eco-conscious personal care market.

Creative video editor

At KesselsKramer, one of my favorite agencies, I took on the role of a creative video editor with the exciting challenge of conceptualizing and editing a dynamic 15-minute documentary film centered around brand strategy.

This project was more than just piecing together clips—it was an immersive dive into the art of storytelling. With each frame and edit meticulously crafted, I aimed to transform abstract strategy concepts into a compelling visual experience that captivates and engages.

In addition to the self-titled 'documercial'—an informative, quirky commercial created as part of the new brand strategy—I was also tasked with editing a series of very short interviews.

KesselsKramer chose to film the interviews in an edgy, rough style, providing a unique raw material to work with. My challenge was to distill over 20 hours of interviews into concise, informative portraits.

These pieces were instrumental in exploring and defining the new brand identity of KesselsKramer, offering me a humble yet profound opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the agency's narrative.

Navigating through the content felt like participating in a masterclass, where every piece revealed insights and wisdom from some of the industry's top-notch creatives. The experience was not just educational; it was a journey through the minds of exceptional talent, uncovering the compelling narratives and innovative ideas that drive our field forward.

Motion Design by Maarten Slok

Sr. Creative Director / Concepter

As a Senior Creative Director and concepter, I was in charge of crafting a brand storytelling concept and platform for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Bangladesh.

Straight Outta Rasta emerged as a vibrant platform under the umbrella of the UN WFP Bangladesh. In my role as a creative content consultant, I directed impactful films that shed light on the challenges and successes of the WFP's initiatives in the region.

Collaborating closely with the marketing and communications team, as well as local creative talents, we embarked on a journey to create compelling content that captured the rich diversity of Bangladesh's food and culture.

Working hand in hand with local creatives, cinematographers, photographers, designers, and writers, we crafted engaging content and creative storytelling that resonated with audiences. Rasta, meaning "street" in Bangladeshi, became the focal point of Straight Outta Rasta—an immersive visual experience inviting viewers to delve into the heart of Bangladesh's culinary delights and cultural tapestry.

Logo & Illustration

Together with Dhaka based illustrator collective ‘DHAKA YEAH” we create images and designs for the ‘Straight Outta Rasta’ platform and concept.

© World Food Programme/ Concept, shot and directed by Bas Ackermann

Creative Director - Programmer - Fundraiser

As the Creative Director and driving force behind Culturale Event Festival, securing over €1.2 million in funding throughout a decade, leading the organization to become a beacon of cultural celebration. My role encompassed orchestrating the festival's branding, curating a diverse program of film and music events, producing compelling marketing content, and guiding creative teams to bring our vision to life.

Shoot Me Festival, celebrated for over a decade in The Hague, emerged as a distinctive event, offering a broad array of international independent films showcased across unique city venues. It was a trailblazer, adopting innovative concepts like 'pop-up' events before they became mainstream, aiming to strike a perfect balance between impact, immersive experiences, informative content, and cutting-edge presentations.

The inception of Shoot Me was fueled by a fundamental desire to spotlight independent filmmakers, addressing a glaring gap in their representation.

This initiative blossomed into "The Voyage Fantastique," a series of smaller, art-focused city tours that expanded our mission to support and showcase artistic endeavors, further cementing our festival's legacy as a pioneer in the cultural landscape.

Creative Director - Product Designer

As the Managing Creative Director for Kayu Surfboards, I was responsible for the entire branding journey, product design, content creation, and the visionary mission and video strategy of the company.

At Kayu Surfboards, we're not just manufacturing surfboards; we're cultivating them. Our core product line features sustainable surfboards crafted from balsa wood, emphasizing our commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovation in the surfing world.

"We grow surfboards!" isn't just a slogan; it's our ethos. It encapsulates our dedication to sustainability and our passion for creating high-quality, environmentally conscious surf gear. Through my leadership, we've not only developed a unique product but also fostered a brand that resonates deeply with the surfing community's growing awareness and concern for the planet.

Director & Concepter

We created a series of creative storytelling on the impact of food and culture in Bangladesh. Food for the soul is equally as important as food for the belly, Soul Food!

The ‘surf girls’ of Cox’s Bazar have become synonymous with breaking gender norms and beating back extraordinary life circumstances. But where do they get the strength?

‘Shobe Meheraz’ talks about what motivates her to surf despite the sport being frowned upon and how she sustains herself physically and mentally.

To help Shobe Meheraz and the rest of the Bangladesh Surf Girls and Boys continue their surfing dreams please visit the website www.bangladeshsurfing.com and make a donation. Especially in these times all support is needed!

Happy surf!

Concepter / Editor

(em)POWER WOMEN! Is a series of short films showcasing the world of WFP Bangladesh regarding gender and women empowerment.

Together with Bangladesh local talented illustrator “The Bathroom artist” we create a series of comic portraits on the incredible cool and strong women!

© World Food Programme/ Concept, shot and directed by Bas Ackermann

Concepter - Editor

A teaser for the documentary ‘ Fatou Jagne - Freedom Fighter’ used for the Movies that Matter Amnesty International pitch.

Sr Creative Editor

Overseeing the editing and the post-production of the 60-minute brand film documentary of TOMTOM.

Director - Editor

Photos by B. Ackermann

I had the joy of working on a commercial for House of Work, designed for recruitment purposes, which aired across five countries: Turkey, Romania, Latvia, Poland, and Bulgaria.

This project was incredibly fun! We added a creative twist by casting local employees as actors, bringing an authentic and relatable vibe to the commercial aimed at attracting new talent.

And, to add my personal touch of nostalgia and warmth, I integrated my favorite filmmaking medium, Super 8mm film.

It turned out to be a delightful blend of creativity, teamwork, and retro charm, all while showcasing the vibrant spirit of House of Work to potential recruits.

Cinematography by Bart Martens

Motion Design by Maarten Slok

Director & Offline Editor

I was given the incredible opportunity to travel to my favorite part of the world, West Africa, this time to create a documentary film for the Meet Kate Foundation.

On April 27, 2017, the Meet Kate Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary. It was also the day the Dutch branch of the Meet Kate Foundation ceased its operations, handing everything over to the Ghanaian organization. The projects continued independently, fulfilling the vision Meet Kate had from the start.

As a gesture of gratitude to our donors, followers, friends, and family, we crafted a conclusive documentary; an overview of a decade’s projects in Ghana.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has followed and supported us over this decade. We are proud of what we have achieved and that the projects can continue independently.

Special thanks go to our ambassadors: Peter R. de Vries and Veronica van Hoogdalem. Peter had a very big heart, not just for justice, but also for Africa, especially Ghana. Thank you, Peter!

Peter R de Vries - November 14, 1956 – July 15, 2021

Cinematograpy by Martijn Melis

Directing - Cinematography

“Good times, tan lines” is a fashion brand film for the German and Bali based brand Zealous.

Rooted within the Indonesian surf culture the film shows the beauty of the island of the Gods, Bali.

Music by the Womb

Director - Concepter

HOT LOVE is a series of short films to promote the HOT LOVE venue in The Hague, The Netherlands. HOT LOVE is more a feeling than a concept, just tap into it.

Concept & Design: Ex-Disco

DOP: Roderik Patijn

AD: Victor Zwiers

35mm photography: Jez Cabulante

Digital photography: Ivo Mostert

VO: Camilla Lomis

Directing & Concept

Starring my old hero Ulrich van Gobbel in an online commercial for TOTO and his old footbal team Feyenoord.

Geen woorden, maar daden (No words, but action) has been shot in the city of Rotterdam, known for it's workingclass mentality, harbor and no-nonsense mentality.

The Feyenoord Legion is the symbol for this city!

Cinematography by Roderik Patijn

Director

“Free The System”, the new single from DANDANA. It is the first song of the album of the same name, which is expected to be released in September. Both the single and the new album are all about broadening musical taste, traveling, friendship and letting go.

DANDANA is a musical collective with musicians from the Netherlands, Senegal and The Gambia - chooses to release the old and to take a new path. Free The System pays tribute to traditional West African rhythm & grooves and the love for ambient & synthesizers.

The music video of Free the System is an ode to the old retro sci-fi movies, afro futurism and the fantasy world of kids.

It’s actually more a music film, says creative concepter and film director Bas Ackermann. Assisted by bandmember, friend and local Gambian creative Modou Joof we wanted to do something inspired by retro sci-fi and afro-futurism, but more in a analog 70’s / 80’s way.

Most of the album was recorded in The Gambia and Senegal, West Africa. During the travels, the jams, the conversations and encounters, it became clear time and again how uncertain the future situations in Africa still are and with which minimal means people are having to "deal" with every day. A certain hopelessness that is normally so far from our bed, but for the first time, it can also be felt by many people in Western countries due to the current Corona crisis.

That's why the lesson DANDANA's music gives us is so relevant. She will show us and let us hear how you can positively deal with such a situation and how important music is to get through those difficult situations. So, let yourself be inspired by the single and accompanying video clip, in which the childlike imagination as a founder of creativity and happiness is celebrated.

Director - Concepter

"Look closer. Discover the city”, is a city brand film.

This film combines the rich historical culture with the young vibrant vibe and shows the diversity of the famous Dutch city of Leiden.

The soundtrack was composed by the international acclaimed producers Kraak & Smaak.

Cinematography by Jacco van Ree

Agency: JUST

Director & Editor

“Welcome to the Smiling Coast” is an international acclaimed documentary film that captures the daily struggles of 15 youngsters moving within the informal economy of the Gambian tourism industry of sun, safari and sex.

With the lure of a better future just around the corner, do they try their luck abroad or find their peace at home?

Filmmaker

The teaser for an innovative documentary project highlighting Oserian Kenya's sustainable business practices and environmental awareness efforts, showcasing the intersection of commerce and planet sustainability.

水 SUI - †shortcuts† series.

水 SUI means water flow in the Japanese language. It’s an ode to the body. The †shortcuts† are a series of free work, capturing conceptual ideas and stories.

An experimental short documentary film on the musical coalition DANDANA playing West African Spices Music.

YELLE - Ghana

"Yelle", means catch the wave. It’s a term local Ghanian surfer uses, when he catch his waves in Kokrobite, Ghana.