Here are the remarks from our JURY TEAM regarding some films in our 2020’s Official Selection.
Disclaimers:
Remarks are not mandatory to our jury members.
A jury member can vote in a film and do not leave any remark.
If a movie doesn’t have remarks, it doesn’t necessarily mean it did not collect any vote from the jury.
A Boring Day in Hell
“Wicked and fun. Very nicely executed.”
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
Amantea
“A very compelling story about how our psyche can reinvent history to make deep trauma in our lives. Well acted. Well shot. Well told.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“A disruptive film. On an apparently sunny holiday, in which the attraction between brother and sister becomes more and more exciting, the sister lets her brother confess the gruesome truth about abuse in the family. Beautifully portrayed, beautiful game and subtly constructed!”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
Atilla
”A subject that I have never seen before. Stand up to your Turkish father who comes to ask you for money (again). Nicely portrayed, nice play and nice actors. and especially beautiful music!”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
”The exploration of a son trying to break the cycle of being a truly flawed father was very compelling. It shows that what we do as parents has a lasting effect on our children well into adulthood.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“Very well acted and touching.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Authenticity
“A nice look inside the head of a dynamic and openminded young artist.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Babydaddy
”I wanted to strangle the father for being so irresponsible and I that's why the film works. The character is so authentically flawed. that he can't get out of his own way. I think we all know someone like this!”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
BARBARA
“Quite funny. It was like an extended joke but very well done. Good dialogues.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Barrier
“Simple and really well executed.”
Laser 3.14, post-punk street poet
Craving to be touched
"A good and simple idea. Very current and relevant. Nice intimate and effective cinema."
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
"This video shows the incredible times we are living. Knowing that you are dying, how can you not be touched by your loved ones? beautifully filmed, very intimate and close."
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
"Wrenching and very cleverly shot and edited."
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
CUCKOO!
“Love this film! Funny and has a lot to say about where we are headed in our relationship with technology.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“Very funny. Nice art direction.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Demolding a Daughter
“This film manages to a whole lot in a short time about the relationship of a girl with her motrher by using the right words an images.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
En Route
“A nice and seductive slice of live reminding young people of how it is not to be taken for granted to have a home and shelter.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
“I like the story of a child realising how hard a parent works to provide for the family. Beautifully shot. Really appreciated the POV from the child's perspective.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“In an empathic way, a small story approaches a big subject, poverty in the present day.”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
“Very current subject matter told from the perspective of the daughter. Very emotional experience for audience, the slow reveal of the world she lives in and the things the family have to do to survive is magically told. All the choices made by director are very clear and effective and has a perfect result. Acting and camera work are really good and in perfect balance of the story narrative. A perfect short film.”
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
EXODUS
“The perfect example of poetry in motion. It's alway satisfying when the images and words come together to telly an important story about the disparity in society. Well done.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
Gabriël
“Story about forgiveness are always compelling to me. And this one is no different. Not sure if I would have been as forgiving!”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
GIRLSBOYSMIX
“A strong child who stands up for himself. Boy or girl what the heck. Open, smart, cheerful, and disarmed, the 10-year-old (!) Wen Long tells us about her intersex. Magnificent!”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
“The girl makes the film. Her courage in telling this story is a gift for everyone in helping us understand what it truly means to be intersex.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
IMAGE
“Reminded me of the movie Kids. I really liked it.”
Laser 3.14, post-punk street poet
"This felt very grounded and realistic, even with the stylistic portraits in between. I liked the casting and the direction. It was solid filmmaking, with specific choices that worked. Would love to see some more movies from this director."
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
Jovanna For Future
"A perfect made documentary that got my attention from the beginning till the end. Solid story telling both visual, directorial choices and editing."
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
"Remarkable young person fighting for a better world. film follows her in her mission in a natural, rich way, so we can get to know her and her family. Light of hope, great initiative in itself, and very well done."
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
Life at Oranjehotel
“Important homage to an infamous place and the heroes that spent their last days here. Well carried out.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
“Well shaped world we never were, the jail where so many known and unknown prisoners in WWII found their death. Beautifully animation and impressive narrator, who takes you by the hand. Moving film!”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
Lili
“Simple concept, very current subject, perfectly executed. Lisa Smit acting is so controlled and perfect nuanced, international quality. Yfke is one of our best talented directors that proves it again in this short film.”
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
“What an actress is Lisa Smit in this 'simple' but strong film! This film show us how vulnerable and strong you are as an actress in the hands of a director.”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
Mania
"Stunning, a 10 on all levels, acting, art direction, VFX, cinematography, music sound, directing. One of the best short films I have seen as a jury member of Shortcutz."
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
No Dog in Amsterdam
"Very special and clever idea. Once in a life time opportunity to do this."
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Only Death Never Lies
“A beautiful father and son story. i that it explores the lengths we will go to to protect the people we love.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“Beautiful drama. Well played.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
Procession
“So clever! Great twist. I don't want to give it away!”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
RE-ENTRY
"Brilliant. A real emotional experience. Very powerful and beautiful executed in directing and cinematography. Never be afraid to be inspired and influenced by the best, in this one Terrence Malick. On you future projects try to step away from him and evolve more in your own style. You have enormous talent, don't be scared to step away from the masters and become your own master."
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
"Great ambitious idea."
Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
"Intriguing . Well shot."
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
"Love this film. It's a big idea with a powerful message."
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
"Beautifully acted by Issaka Sawadogo in cheerful conversation with Johnny Bang Reilly (God's voice) about the meaning of life after a car accident. Great camera work where sometimes you don't believe your eyes."
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
"Very Terrence Malick which is a good thing."
Laser 3.14, post-punk street poet
Sad Beauty
"Loved it. Reminded me of the brilliant movie On The Beach."
Laser 3.14, post-punk street poet
"Well executed. Story that makes you think about what we are."
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
SHORT CALF MUSCLE
"Sometimes it's hard for us to accept who we are. This film tells that story in a fun original way."
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
"Outrageous idea and carries out quite well."
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
STRAIGHT TO THE GALLOWS
“Very ambitious. Great production value.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
Strawberry
“Pure cinema, stylistic and mysterious. A director and cinematographer driven movie that has the look of a international short film winner. This director should continue with his talent with longer feature in this style.”
Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
The End
“Fresh, colourful, strong in design, lines, drawing. IN its simplicity, the journey and the end moves you.”
Marina Blok, head of drama ntr
UNCLE TAHAR’S HIDDEN TRAVEL AGENCY
“I thought Uncle Tahar was a great character-- and great human being. What he has to say about society really resonated with me. While others hide behind the computers screen, he uses it to welcome people in.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals
“Nice portrait of a special man that one would like to meet.”
Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
When We Were Strangers
“I really enjoyed the metaphorical telling of the story. Visually stimulating.”
Christopher Mack, Director Creative Talent Investment & Development for Netflix International Originals