Simon Field Dies: Former Rotterdam Film Festival Head and ICA Cinema Director Was 80
The pioneering programmer, who championed filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, died on July 16.
“I have lost an important companion, with whom we built the films together with love, over many years. I cannot dream of a more caring and supportive producer, and a kind gentleman.”
Simon Field, a pioneering film programmer and former director of the Rotterdam Film Festival, has died. He was 80 years old.
His death on July 16 was confirmed by the veteran film critic Geoff Andrew, who posted an obituary on his blog, according to Deadline. The Rotterdam Film Festival shared a tribute over the weekend.
Who was Simon Field?
Field served as the Festival Director and Co-Director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam from 1996 to 2004. During his tenure, the festival's Tiger Competition launched the careers of filmmakers like Lou Ye, Christopher Nolan, Hong Sang Soo, and Pablo Trapero.
Before leading Rotterdam, Field was a Film Studies writer and lecturer. He was the founding editor of the radical film journal Afterimage and served as the Director of Cinema at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) from 1988 until 1996.
What was his work after Rotterdam?
After his time at the festival, Field joined Illumination Films, where he produced works by filmmakers such as Tsai Ming-liang, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Garin Nugroho. He produced Weerasethakul's Palme d'Or winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) and the director's 2012 title, Memoria.
Filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul shared a personal tribute on Instagram. "I have lost an important companion, with whom we built the films together with love, over many years," he wrote. "I cannot dream of a more caring and supportive producer, and a kind gentleman."
Weerasethakul's tribute concluded, "I will carry him in gratitude, and in the work we still have to finish. Our bond through images will continue to bind others."
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Simon Field's role at the ICA?
Simon Field served as the Director of Cinema at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) from 1988 until 1996, when he left to lead the Rotterdam Film Festival.
Which filmmakers did he champion?
Field was a noted champion of international filmmakers including Wang Bing, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Christopher Nolan. During his time at Rotterdam, the festival's competition also supported early work by Lou Ye, Hong Sang Soo, and Pablo Trapero.
What films did he produce?
After Rotterdam, Field produced films through Illumination Films. His credits include Apichatpong Weerasethakul's Palme d'Or-winning Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) and Memoria (2012), as well as works by Tsai Ming-liang and Garin Nugroho.
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