Simon Field, Former Rotterdam Film Festival Director and Champion of Independent World Cinema, Dies at 80
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Simon Field, a pioneering film programmer and a major patron of acclaimed filmmakers such as Wang Bing, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Christopher Nolan, has passed away at the age of 80.
Field passed away on July 16, 2026. The news was initially confirmed by veteran film critic Geoff Andrew on his blog, and the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) subsequently paid tribute to its long-time director over the weekend.
Field served as director and co-director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam from 1996 to 2004. During his tenure, the festival’s Tiger Competition hosted and awarded legendary filmmakers, including Lou Ye, Christopher Nolan, Hong Sang-soo, and Pablo Trapero.
Before his time at Rotterdam, he worked as a writer and lecturer in film studies, and was the founding editor of the radical film magazine Afterimage. In 1988, Field took over as director of cinema at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London, a position he held until joining Rotterdam.
Following his years at Rotterdam, Field joined Keith Griffiths’ production company, Illuminations Films, where he produced works for prominent filmmakers such as Tsai Ming-liang, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Garin Nugroho. Over the years, he maintained a close collaboration with Weerasethakul, producing Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (which won the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2010) as well as his latest feature, Memoria.
In an emotional note on Field’s passing, Weerasethakul wrote: “I have lost a deeply important companion, someone with whom I made films with immense love for many years. I could never have dreamed of a producer more caring, supportive, and gentlemanly. We faced changing landscapes of filmmaking and financing, but Simon never gave up and never compromised. I hold his memory in my heart with deep gratitude, and I will continue his path in the unfinished projects we have ahead.”
“A monumental loss for world cinema. Simon Field had an incredible eye for bold talent, and so many legendary visionary directors owe a part of their early careers to his championing. May he rest in peace.”
“Apichatpong’s tribute is so moving. Simon Field was a true producer and curator who fought for art over commercialism without ever compromising. His immense legacy in independent film will live on.”