Dutch FilmWorks

Originally a home media distributor, Dutch Filmworks purchases film licenses and releases these in the Benelux, and has a distribution library of over 2,500 titles.^[1] Large titles distributed by Dutch FilmWorks include Exorcist: The Prequel,^[6] 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 became defunct in early 2010s. The company sold its NTR sales to JustBridge in late 2011.

In 2005, Dutch FilmWorks, along with Inspire Pictures and Lumière founded Benelux Film Distributors to distribute films theatrically. In June 2011, Dutch FilmWorks left BFD to start its own theatrical unit.^[7][8]

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.^[5]

Dutch FilmWorks submitted plans, on 17 March 2017, 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 lasted until 25 August 2017.^[9][10]

Legal enforcement has been challenging, with some ISPs refusing to provide the names and addresses of customers.^[11] 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.^[12][13]