Onur Can Tepe
FOUNDER SMOKE & MIRRORS
“I began my professional journey as an architect and cinema entered into the scene later. Combining both worlds, I started doing commissioned documentaries and short films for architects. In parallel, I felt the urge to explore independent and personal projects. Entering the film world without a network, I had to produce my own work, which eventually led me to establish Stichting Smoke and Mirrors.
My architectural background continues to shape how I approach cinema. I am drawn to places, whether physical or imagined, as the foundation for storytelling. I see space not just as a setting, but as a vessel for societal matters and power dynamics. Having made films about spaces rather than characters, I have developed hybrid forms of non-fiction films that found its own narrative during the editing. On the other hand, I’m drawn to reimagining film experiences beyond cinemas, using my design skills to create immersive, spatial encounters with films in galleries and cultural spaces.”
“I began my professional journey as an architect and cinema entered into the scene later. Combining both worlds, I started doing commissioned documentaries and short films for architects. In parallel, I felt the urge to explore independent and personal projects. Entering the film world without a network, I had to produce my own work, which eventually led me to establish Stichting Smoke and Mirrors.
My architectural background continues to shape how I approach cinema. I am drawn to places, whether physical or imagined, as the foundation for storytelling. I see space not just as a setting, but as a vessel for societal matters and power dynamics. Having made films about spaces rather than characters, I have developed hybrid forms of non-fiction films that found its own narrative during the editing. On the other hand, I’m drawn to reimagining film experiences beyond cinemas, using my design skills to create immersive, spatial encounters with films in galleries and cultural spaces.”
Onur is a writer, filmmaker and architect based in Rotterdam. As part of Smoke & Mirrors, he is actively involved with the creative development of the films from their conception until their completion. He provides guidance to make films the strongest they can be and mentors the makers to be mindful about the impact they would like to achieve, and connect them with right places: film festivals, cultural venues, exhibiton halls.
Onur also runs 1000 Words, a studio for architectural film commissions. The two initiatives support different but complementary aspects of the filmmaking practice.
Magda Augusteijn
CHAIR SMOKE & MIRRORS
Magda is a filmmaker, who has been working as a producer, director and editor for creating informative and narrative documentaries for various broadcasters since 1997. She is currently the chairwoman of the Smoke and Mirrors Foundation.
Daniël Nogueira
TREASURER SMOKE & MIRRORS
Daniël Nogueira is a Dutch director known for his work in documentaries, fiction, and international commercials. His notable projects include the short film The Happiest Couple Alive and the documentary series Inside the Mind of a Con Artist, which aired on Curiosity Stream, Arte, ZDF, and NPO.
Daniël Nogueira
TREASURER SMOKE & MIRRORS
Cristina Ampatzidou
SECRETARY SMOKE & MIRRORS
Cristina is a researcher and curator with a background in architecture and urbanism. She is the Head of Programming at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam, where she curates films exploring the intersection of urban development and cinematic storytelling.
