Hugo Keijzer is a writer-director with over twenty years of experience in the industry. He has directed more than two hundred commercial films for global brands, prior to moving into feature filmmaking. His debut feature, The Occupant, premiered at the inaugural SXSW London Film Festival. This survival sci-fi thriller stars Ella Balinska (Charlie’s Angels, Resident Evil), Rob Delaney (Deadpool, Catastrophe), Vanessa Ifediora (Belfast), and Stuart Graham (Hunger). Shot entirely on location in the remote Caucasus mountains of Georgia and in Northern Ireland, the film follows Abby, a geologist who survives a helicopter crash and must navigate the harsh wilderness while maintaining mysterious radio contact with another survivor.

Hugo first developed The Occupant as a short prologue in 2019 to secure financing and prove the concept. The feature-length version, backed by the Netherlands Film Fund, BFI Global Screen Fund, and Northern Ireland Screen, received critical acclaim for its emotional intensity and genre-driven suspense. Critics at SXSW London praised it as a "twisty and inventive survival thriller" that blends psychological depth with cinematic tension. The film builds on Hugo’s earlier work in short-form narrative, including Prosopagnosia (2013), Denham Psycho (2014), and Éclair (2016), marking his transition into ambitious, high-concept feature filmmaking.

In addition to his narrative work, Hugo has written and directed several acclaimed commissioned films known for their emotional impact and cinematic craftsmanship. Highlights include The Great Transition for DNV, a visionary portrayal of the global energy shift; Science Can Change the World for DSM, celebrating innovation and the unsung heroes of science; and The Yakult Lady, a heartfelt story about community and care. His commissioned campaign for Achmea received the Grand Prix at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Award, recognizing its exceptional storytelling and public impact.