Jaarverslag 2012 - NIAf

and he succeeded in mustering the support of those around him who helped him pave the
way.
Even the Minister of Culture contacted him declaring her interest in animation. And the
Netherlands Institute for Animation film became a reality. An institute that took over the
distribution from STAP but one which, in his view, needed to be established first and foremost
to guarantee the quality of Dutch animation film and to raise the standard even further
among new generations of animation filmmakers. A place where the animation heritage
could be accommodated and where research and study could be carried out. He also set
up an initial study programme in animation film at the Academy for Visual Design in Tilburg.
But there was still more work to be done. The financing and production of animation films had
to be secured. He pleaded for a separate committee for animation film at the Nederlands
Fonds voor de Film. A separate budget and experts who could assess the animation
applications. This was established in 1997.
Internationally he had always been opposed to the all too complacent animation filmmakers
who had united in the Association International du Film d’Animation ASIFA. This was a
platform formed during the “cold war”, that had forgotten to set out a new course after the
fall of the Soviet Union. He pursued his own international path and kindled enthusiasm among
successful, young filmmakers with workshops in such places as Taiwan and Georgia.
Meanwhile he continued to work indefatigably on his own films and projects.
We are very fortunate that he was among us and we will take his ideas further.
(In Memoriam was delivered by Ton Crone during the memorial service on 10 December 2012
in St. Bavokerk in Haarlem)
I n M e m o r i a m - G e r r i t v a n D i j k
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