David Deprez announces his departure as artistic director of Lumière in Maastricht

David Deprez will step down as the artistic director of Lumière Cinema in Maastricht in the spring of 2025. He announced this decision last Friday. Over the past 25 years, Deprez has played a key role in the development of Lumière, which, under his vision, has grown from a small cinema to the vibrant cultural hub it is today.

The cinema will continue under the leadership of managing director Aerd de Boode, who, along with the Supervisory Board, will oversee the transition of Deprez’s responsibilities in the coming months. Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Carola van der Weijden, said: “David has made an indispensable contribution to Lumière’s success. We will deeply miss his vision, passion, and dedication, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. We wish David the best in his next steps. As for Lumière, we are confident in the future and believe that the strong foundation he laid will continue to be built upon.”

Deprez has been associated with Lumière for over 25 years, the last 18 of which he served as artistic director. In addition to his responsibility for Lumière’s programming, Deprez also founded the Masterplan Filmtalent Limburg and co-initiated the move to the current location at the Bassin. Under his leadership, successful initiatives such as the Lumière Open Air Film Festival, which annually attracts thousands of visitors for films under the stars, and Filmhub Zuid, the center for film education in Brabant, Limburg, and Zeeland, flourished. Deprez will remain active in his role until March 2025.

David Deprez commented: “This month marks exactly 25 years since my journey with Lumière began. First as an intern, then as an educational staff member, film programmer, artistic director, and co-director. Each step gave me new opportunities to continue developing Lumière into the best cinema in the Netherlands, with a big heart for film that beats in tune with the rhythm of the most beautiful city in the country. Lumière has become the dream place where I have grown over the years. But now, after 25 years, I feel that my mission is complete, and it’s time to explore new paths. This means that in March 2025, I will bid farewell to make room for new impulses, both for myself and for Lumière. It’s a personal and, for me, logical decision, made with the knowledge that the cinema is supported by a wonderful team of dedicated and passionate employees, ready to shape Lumière’s future with fresh energy.”