Focus: freihändler filmproduktion
WF Online Series 2025 #3: December 12–19

Stella Händler was born in 1962 in Dornach and originally studied German literature at the University of Basel. After her studies, she moved into the world of theatre and film. She worked as a directing assistant at Theatre Basel, then as a production assistant for SAMSA-Film in Luxembourg, and later became active in organizing theatre and film festivals. During the 1990s, she managed the production group Video&Film 62 and worked as a freelance production manager on various documentary and short-film projects. These experiences gave her a broad understanding of both artistic and production work, which would become essential for her later career as a producer.

In 2000, she co-founded freihändler Filmproduktion in Basel together with Claudia Frei. From the beginning, the company focused on documentaries, animation films, experimental formats, and artistically driven video projects. When Claudia Frei changed professions in 2011, Stella Händler took over full ownership and continued to develop the company with a clear commitment to artistic exploration and close collaboration with filmmakers. Over the years, she has produced more than thirty films, reaching audiences nationally and internationally.

Her work extends well beyond producing. She has served on festival juries, been active in cultural institutions such as Stadtkino Basel and balimage, and chaired the fine arts and film committee of the Aargauer Kuratorium. She also invests heavily in the next generation, mentoring film students at the Hochschule Luzern and supporting young filmmakers as they enter the industry. In addition, she is involved in film-political efforts and helped found Pro Short, the Swiss association for short films.

For more than two decades, Stella Händler has been a central figure in shaping the film landscape in Basel. Through freihändler filmproduktion, she has brought continuity, professionalism, and a strong artistic vision to the region. Many of the films she produced have received international recognition, and her commitment to education, institutions, and advocacy has strengthened the foundations of Swiss filmmaking. Her work continues to play an important role in supporting established directors and emerging talent.

For this program, we will also feature an audio interview with Stella Händler, who will discuss her career journey and the role of women producers in the Swiss film landscape.

For this program, we will also feature an audio interview with Stella Händler, who will discuss her career journey and the role of women producers in the Swiss film landscape.

Upcoming: the film program and exclusive audio interview.

Our Fourth Edition (2025)

MAY (16-23): AI in Film and the Media Arts
OCTOBER (17–24): Free Will
DECEMBER (12–19): Focus: Freihändler Film Produktion

On WF Online Series

The WF Online Series features three to four curated screening programs annually, each centred around a distinctive curatorial concept. The series highlights productions from Basel, Switzerland, and around the globe. Each program is available to stream for one week.

Our Funders

This project is made possible through the generous financial support of the Mary & Ewald E. Bertschmann-Stiftung and the Division of Cultural Affairs of Basel-Stadt.