Nov 26: Join us for an inspiring session with Cyriel Guds, a multi-talented actor, writer, producer, and director. His acting career include hit series like Mocro Maffia and Undercover, as well as in Nanouk Leopold’s film Cobain and the leading role in Suriname, a Pathé Original.

Cyriel's creative talents extend beyond acting—he wrote for the Spanga series and created the successful YouTube web series Loverboy Amsterdam, which has garnered over 1 million views. As the lead actor, producer, writer, and director of Loverboy: Emoties Uit, which became the most visited Dutch film of the year with more than 373,000 cinema visitors!!

Nov 19: On November 19, join us for a session with director Michael Middelkoop and screenwriter Lotte Tabbers as they discuss their upcoming film, Dit is geen kerstfilm (This Is Not a Christmas Movie). Dit is geen kerstfilm is a Dutch comedy set in the lead-up to Christmas, following a family as they navigate personal and societal challenges and is scheduled for release on Prime Video on December 19.

The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning three Gouden Kalf awards at the Netherlands Film Festival, including Best Director for Michael Middelkoop, Best Screenplay for Lotte Tabbers and Isis Mihrimah Cabolet, and Best Supporting Actress for Laura Bakker.

Nov 12: Join us for an exciting session with Simon de Waal, a true master of thrillers who seamlessly combines his roles as an author, screenwriter, director, and crime detective with the Amsterdam police. Known for hits like "Cop vs Killer" (2005), which earned a Golden Strop nomination, and "Pentito" (2007), winner of the Diamanten Kogel, Simon has cemented his place in the world of gripping crime storytelling. His screenplay for the Dutch classic "Lek" earned him a Golden Calf, and his recent work on "Het Gouden Uur" (NPO/Netflix) and "Sleepers" (Videoland, 2023) has been widely praised. Simon is currently adapting a thrilling hostage situation from an Apple Store in Amsterdam into a Netflix film.

Nov 5: Join us for an amazing session with Willem Bosch, a prolific screenwriter and showrunner from the Netherlands known for creating some of the country’s most beloved TV shows, including "Feuten," "Van God Los," and "Penoza." Willem’s recent work as Executive Producer and sole writer for the Canal+ Original "ONE OF US" earned him glowing reviews and a Golden Kalf nomination for best screenplay. He also served as showrunner for the first Dutch Disney+ Original "NEMESIS," which has been a massive hit since its October premiere. Willem will share his journey in screenwriting and showrunning, as well as insights into his current work on his first US-based feature film.

Oct 29: Join us for an engaging session with Rachel van Bommel, the visionary CEO and producer of Millstreet Films. Recognized as one of the 20 most influential figures in Dutch film by Het Parool, Rachel has an impressive background in film distribution, having released over 500 feature films. In 2009, she founded Millstreet Films, focusing on contemporary female perspectives with strong female leads. The company has produced successful films such as "Faithfully Yours" and "Soof," along with popular series like "Maxima" and "Anne+." Committed to empowering women in the industry, Rachel also launched the online platform "Girls in Film." Join us as she shares her insights on the evolving landscape of film production and the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.

Oct 22: We are honoured to welcome as our guest this session Martijn Lakemeier. Martijn Lakemeier first came to the scene at age 14, when he made his acting debut in the unforgettable box office hit Oorlogswinter (2008). His impressive career includes notable projects such as "De Oost" (2020) alongside Marwan Kenzari, "Good Bad Girl" (2022), and the Netflix Original "Happy Ending" (2023) -which achieved top 10 positions across multiple countries, among many others.

Currently, he shines as a series regular in the BBC hit "Marie Antoinette" (2022-) and portrays King Willem-Alexander in the series "Maxima" (2024), which was selected for Canneseries 2024. Join us as Martijn shares insights from his dynamic career and his approach to storytelling in film and television.

Oct 15: Jelle first captured audiences with his box office hit "BON BINI HOLLAND" (2015), which won the Dutch Academy Audience Award in 2016. After the successful release of "MEMORY LANE" in early 2024—Dutch Academy Award Winner for Best Film and now the Dutch entry for the Oscars in 2025—Jelle continues to shine in the comedy genre with his upcoming film "SISTERHOOD," set to premiere later this year. Join us as Jelle shares his insights into his career and the art of storytelling through comedy.

Oct 8: Join us for an exciting session with Laura Hermanides, an exciting writer and director whose debut feature film "White Flash" opened the Netherlands Film Festival 2024. Winner of the Sundance Channel Award for her short film "Nymphet," also winner of Shortcutz Amsterdam. Laura is known for blending documentary, fiction, and experimental filmmaking into powerful narratives.

Sept 24: Join us for an engaging session with Bob de Jong, a leading figure in using AI to generate synthetic digital images for film. Known for his hyper-realistic recreations of celebrities such as Morgan Freeman and contributions to industry giants like HBO, Apple TV, and FOX, Bob will offer insights into the future of AI-driven content creation in entertainment.

Sept 17: Join us for an inspiring session with Rodger Werkhoven, where we dive into his pioneering work at the intersection of AI and creative storytelling. From his early days in computer animation to co-creating the world’s first 100% AI-generated short film, this is a unique opportunity to explore the future of art and technology with a true innovator.

June 11: We are excited to welcome CHRIS PETERS as our next guest! Recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the Netherlands, Chris has made significant waves in both film and television. He stars in the upcoming film Krazy House (2024) alongside Alicia Silverstone and Nick Frost, a standout project that has earned selections at Sundance and IFFR. His impressive filmography includes roles in Open Seas (2018), Tonio (2016), and De Poel (2014). On television, Chris has captivated audiences in Een moord kost meer levens (2023, Videoland), Childhood Dreams (2023, NPO), Rampvlucht (2022, NPO), and took the lead in the Netflix original series Dirty Lines (2022).

June 4: We are honoured to introduce Christopher Mack, director of Grow Creative at Netflix EMEA, as our special guest! Christopher's illustrious career in the entertainment industry includes his role as Senior Vice President of Scripted Content for Stage 13 (Warner Bros), where he oversaw original scripted series across multiple genres, including the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Special andIt'ss Bruno. Previously, he led the Warner Bros. Workshop, fostering the careers of nearly 150 writers and directors who are now pivotal voices in television. His extensive background also covers roles at Warner Bros. Current Programs, working on hits like Two and a Half Men and Smallville, and writing for acclaimed dramas such as ER and The Practice. Starting his career at NBC Studios, Chris played a key role in the success of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Join us to hear insights from a true visionary in television and drama.

May 28: We are excited to welcome NILS VERKOOIJEN as our next special guest at Shortcutz! Despite his young age, Nils has already graced over 50 film and television productions, starring in notable projects like Berlin Alexanderplatz, the Amazon Prime series Rwina, and De Joodse Raad. Join us to find out more about his impressive career and discover what the future holds for him.

May 21: We are thrilled to host the directors behind Videoland's acclaimed series, "Máxima." Join us as SASKIA DIESING, ROXANNE STAM, IVÁN LÓPEZ NÚÑEZ and JOOSJE DUK share an insider's look at the creative process behind the series.

May 14: Join us for an exciting session featuring the one-and-only ROMANA VREDE! Renowned for her captivating performances in projects like Anne+, I Don’t Wanna Dance and Santos, Romana is not only a talented actress but also an inspiring figure to many. We look forward to finding out more about her career, gaining insights from her experiences, and discovering what she has in store for the future.

May 7: Golden Calf winner MASCHA HALBERSTAD is at it again with a brand-new film! Fresh off the success of "Knor," which bagged the Dutch Oscar for best feature film, she's ready to wow us again. Her latest creation, 'Fox & Hare Save the Forest,' is set to light up cinemas after stunning at Berlinale. Let's hear all about Mascha's journey and what went into making this film a reality. :)

Zoë Kiani | Live-Action | 11’00’’

In one phone call between an abused woman and her manipulative girlfriend, the intense dynamics of physical and mental abuse in a relationship are revealed, as well as vulnerability and hope.

Tim Gersen | Experimental | 02’11’’

A couple is going through the miraculous process of giving birth, but what they bring into the world is not what they expected.

Rozh Surchi | Live-Action | 14’09’’

A stylistic mockumentary that unveils the intriguing life of Floris, a renowned figure on Amsterdam's streets for his bike-stealing prowess. In a city where 80,000 bikes vanish yearly, Floris emerges as a key player in this clandestine cycle. However, he's not alone – the market thrives on stolen bikes. Through deadpan humour and unexpected revelations, Floris provides a unique insight into the intricate gears that keep Amsterdam's bike theft machine in motion.

Renee Schräder | Documentary | 18’00’’

A queer filmmaker travels to rural Romania and ends up falling for a single parent who has to keep his gender identity a secret from his religious community. Their relationship evolves behind closed doors, on faraway hills and in old churches. When the villagers start to suspect that something is going on between the two, a video surfaces of the two kissing, secretly taken from behind a garden fence. Gossip grows, and family members protest to the point where the couple’s safety becomes endangered, forcing the two to leave the village behind and seek refuge elsewhere.

Roxanne Stam | Live-Action | 13’00’’

When Milany (18) is suddenly confronted on her birthday with a message from her father she never knew, her friends keep Milany going with humour, wise counsel and unconditional love for each other.

Bram van Dijk | Live-Action | 12’13’’

On their date night, Chayenne is unsure of Justin’s commitment to their relationship. Justin keeps convincing her everything is fine, but the events of the night tell her otherwise.

Jottum Kok | Live-Action | 20’00’’

Tomorrow Will Be Better is a slice-of-life short film that explores the complex relationship between a lesbian daughter and her straight mother. After an intense break-up with her ex-girlfriend, Jona (24) recently moved back in with her mother, Mirjam (55). Tensions run high on Mirjam's birthday after it becomes clear she doesn't regard Jona's queer identity with the same significance as Jona does. Where Mirjam wants to avoid conflict, Jona wants to have the last word.

Eva Bonnevits | Animation | 06’32’’

I have always feared the doctor, and now so will you. In this fever dream or rather fever nightmare, I will take you on a neverending doctor’s appointment straight out of HELL. By using warped perspectives and over-the-top scenarios, this film will leave an impression that makes your skin crawl.

Thom Lunshof | Live-Action | 20’00’’

LEAF tells the story of Nora and her son Sil, who set out to find one of the last green habitats in a future-parched Earth. But when Sil undergoes a strange physical change during their journey through the relentless heat, Nora's fear grows of what they will find on the other side of the desert.

Tasha Arlova | Animation | 04’04’’

Shamans say that our souls are made of birds. If a child gets scared, their bird may fly away. In this poetic journey, we follow a girl who has lost her beloved companion, a blue bird and is eager to return it. Now, she embarks on an adventure to find the bird and, hopefully, her true self.

Katarina Jazbec | Documentary | 20’00’’

As we face climate change, young activists, steelworkers, and a geologist come together in a time-travelling space full of nightmares and aspirations.

Finn van den IJssel | Live-Action | 09’07’’

Bente, a rising hockey player, has promised her best friend Hannah to join her at a climate protest tomorrow. But when she gets the chance to make her professional hockey debut that same day, she is faced with a choice, triggering long-suppressed emotions to come to the surface.

Nick Verkroost | Live-Action | 12’10’’

54-year-old Liesbeth is pushed to a new extreme when the men crossing her path don't seem to take her seriously.

Muck van Empel | Live-Action | 08’43’’

Luna (17) celebrates passing her final exams with her family in a karaoke bar. Here, she accidentally runs into her online flirt, Michael (37), who virtually knows her mainly as a grown-up, desirable woman. In her father’s company, Luna is still daddy’s little girl. When these on- and offline worlds unexpectedly clash in this short coming-of-age drama, Luna is confronted with the expectations she created herself. She will have to decide which woman she wants to be.

Maria Marbus, Ludo Marbus | Live-Action | 16’35’’

Mara (26) returns to her parental home a year after her mother's death to prevent her father, Simon (61), from throwing away all the things that she feels make her mother's death final. When her father finally suggests that she can sleep in the bed where her mother died, it all becomes too much for Mara.

Matthijs Sluijs | Live-Action | 09’58’’

Three friends meet on the island where they grew up to share their grief. On a hot summer night, they revisit the places that once held their boyhood dreams. While the sky turns pink and blue, the transience of friendship, love and life becomes painfully clear to them. All three will have to learn to deal with loss and their longing to hold on to each other.

Shriejan Paudel | Live-Action | 07’40’’

The 23-year-old Jayden suffers from social phobia. He works from home and never goes outside. But then he suddenly has to go out for an appointment with his best friend Omar, whom he has previously let down. To avoid disappointing Omar again, Jayden tries to overcome his social anxiety by going out of the house after a long time.

Sebastian Mulder | Documentary | 20’00’’

There are 365 days a year, and at the end of it, millions of euros’ worth of fireworks go up in smoke in the Netherlands, as in many other parts of the world. Many people enjoy this, but New Year’s Eve is a total nightmare for animals. To make their experience tangible, Sebastian Mulder’s documentary takes an original approach. In the run-up to the big night, dogs belonging to different owners are fitted with a GoPro, and we follow their movements.

Kate Hummel & Rosa Stil | Live-Action | 15’55’’

When Zana is raped by her colleague, she is faced with an impossible question. Either she tells her girlfriend, Olivia, or she chooses to remain silent forever. Because if she keeps quiet, it might never happen.

Luca Meisters | Live-Action | 14’56’’

The world of the introverted but fiery Esra (9) has been turned upside down. Her father has become disabled after a recent motorcycle accident, and as a result, they had to move to a new place. Struggling with his limitations, Esra’s father isn’t the man she once knew. At her new school, she tells a lie that results in a lot of positive attention, but she cannot oversee the consequences. The pain, anger, and shame that boil inside of her will inevitably find their way to the surface.

Bastiaan Rook | Live-Action | 19’00’’

A community on the coast of the Netherlands have everything they would wish for. Jonah tries to escape his role as a cult leader, no matter what.

Gijs Wilbers | Documentary | 16’00’’

The parents of filmmaker Gijs Wilbers move from a large family home to a smaller apartment for two. Mother Lot has difficulty throwing things away and prefers to take everything with her. Father Lex knows that that will never fit and secretes some of the belongings to a garage rented for the occasion. But when Lot finds out, the atmosphere changes. After encouragement from his sister, Gijs decides to address the big pink elephant in the room, which everyone avoids. First with his father and then with his mother. How will she react?

Leonardo Cariglino | Live-Action | 19’00’’

The young French expat Jean lives isolated and alienated from human contact, but a dear voice message from his mother urges him to go out. He then discovers Sara behind the shelves of the FEBO snack bar, and a love story begins.

Cheyenne Goudswaard | Animation | 05’16’’

The fear of oblivion can be overwhelming, but it can also be a driving force. Ik Ben Hier / I Am Here explores the need to imprint ourselves onto the world and build a legacy.

Matthijs van Esveld | Live-Action | 20’00’’

Eight-year-old Hannah is sent to a summer camp against her wishes. When she is told the campfire story ‘The Curse of Camp Nighttime’, she tries to escape. In the middle of the night, she is confronted by the reality of the curse. With the help of new-found friendships, ghost stories and an old TV, she has to get her bear back while discovering how strong she really is.

Ilke Paddenburg | Live-Action | 6’58’’

While a large painting of a naked woman is being transported from the studio to the exhibition, she seems to fall victim to a harsh and masculine outside world.

Emma Branderhorst | Live-Action | 19'00''

Kees (17) is taking her first steps towards adulthood and has decided to take a language course in Marseille. She is impulsive and eager for adventure. But actually, the biggest reason for going so far from home is her mother. Their relationship is suffocating her; she wants to escape and make her own choices. But she still needs her mother, Lois, to take her to the south of France. During their "last" trip together, they try to enjoy themselves, but unspoken irritations and the approaching goodbye fill the air. Kees can't wait to begin her adventure while Lois struggles with their changing relationship. A film about learning to let go and the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship.

Dunya Zita | Documentary | 11'11''

Spoken and written language is one of the most important means of communication, but how do you connect when a shared language is missing? Dunya Zita went to visit her family in Morocco to explore this topic and engaged in conversations with her close family members, both in Morocco and the Netherlands. The documentary is narrated with a poetic approach, bringing together anekdotes of family members, and thoughts and observations of her own.

David van Delden and Juan-Carlos Goilo | Experimental | 17'15''

A deserted bus stop at the city outskirts. A woman dressed in white approaches it, waiting for a ride. She is patient and knows where she is going. She waits. A local van picks her up. She is calm and enjoys the scenery on the bus ride. The images of the places are forgotten. The transformation from the rugged city life to a greener pasture. Even though she has made this journey many times before, she is absorbed by it every single time she does it. Completely aware that it will bring her something new. A new insight, a new joy, a new end, a new beginning.

Jos van Meerveld | Live-Action | 13'51''

Scrap is a tragicomedy short film about the selfish and unself-conscious port employee Peter, who is prevented from committing suicide by the AI (artificial intelligence) of his ex-wife’s car. When the car becomes more self-aware than Peter, Peter is forced to change…

Martijn Winkler | Live-Action | 11'50''

When an aspiring stand-up comedian participates in a commercial TV show, he is thrust into memories of a traumatic past.

Jelle Tigchelaar | Documentary | 16'39''

In 'Behind the Reflection', people of different ages and backgrounds spend half an hour looking at themselves in the mirror. We see what they see as we look through the back of the mirror. They share observations about themselves and their experiences of discomfort, sadness, confrontation, and happiness.

Ronald Marinakis | Live-Action | 19'57''

When a hunter from a native indigenous tribe of Suriname is finished hunting, he gets disturbed during his bath. He comes face to face with the Dutch colonisers who have been terrorising his surrounding tribes. When the hunter becomes the hunted, he is forced to flee for his life. To prevent his tribe from the same fate, he fights against the tyranny with what he knows best… the jungle.

Daniël Bakker | Live-Action | 19'00//

Joysi Olijhoek | Experimental | 05'00''

Kees-Jan Husselman | Documentary | 12'50''

Uriël Matahelumual | Live-Action | 15'14''

Garry E. Newball Archbold | Experimental | 05'43''

Jard Struik | Live-Action | 07'47''

Natalia Boorsma | Live-Action | 14'39''

On a sunny spring day, three women, all going by the name Svetlana, are waiting at a small train station somewhere in southern Serbia. While one longs to leave Serbia, another is visiting the country as a tourist, and the last Svetlana will likely never leave Serbia, nor the train station.

Lieuwe Siebe de Jong | Documentary | 17'51''

Marjanne van Vliet works for a Dutch humanitarian aid organization in Syria—a country devastated by war, economically crippled by sanctions, half of its population has fled, and largely hidden from the world’s view as it is closed off to journalists. Then, in February 2023, an earthquake struck the border area between Syria and Turkey. Filmmaker Lieuwe Siebe de Jong closely follows Marjanne in the affected city of Aleppo. Amid the aftershocks of the earthquake, she and her team face the challenge of providing aid to the residents of Aleppo. This cinematic documentary offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the dilemmas of aid work in an almost hopeless context.

Engel Stam | Documentary | 16'44''

"The Nest" explores filmmaker Engel Stam's resistance to becoming a mother by unravelling the complex mother-daughter relationship across three generations of women. In this family portrait, three women discuss their different views on motherhood. While one consciously chooses independence, another struggles with a strong desire for a traditional family. Three different perspectives on motherhood come together in one family of strong women, all simultaneously struggling with the deep-seated pressure of societal expectations.

Aramis Garcia Gonzalez | Live-Action | 10'00''

After a big argument with his mother and stepfather, 24-year-old Emre storms off angrily. A year later, he knocks on the door again. He wants to come back home as if nothing had happened. However, his mother doesn't just let him in, and a difficult conversation unfolds through the intercom. Emre tries everything to be let inside, but offering a sincere apology is something he can't manage.

Bart Niewenweg | Live-Action | 18'58''

It is 1946. Recently repatriated, Paula is trying to feel at home in Friesland after her experiences in a Japanese internment camp. She is taken in by a family she has never met before. Her presence as a person from colonial Indonesia is tolerated but not fully accepted. Suspicion grows among the family when, since her arrival at the potato farm, brown rot is found on one of the potatoes. Paula feels she has to survive again, but this time, she has a choice: will she stay with her assigned family or choose her path?

Anas Qadamani | Documentary | 14'09''

The Elephant & The Room is an essay film that explores themes of immigration, colonialism, and Western double standards. The story develops from the bizarre news about African elephants making their way—illegally—to Germany, which at first seems like an absurd news headline but gradually reveals a darker and more troubling reality.
Divided into four chapters, the story covers the complex colonial history between Western Europe and African elephants, leading to present-day relations. Through subtle twists and criticism in narration, the film explores the implications of Western political systems regarding immigration and the legacy of Western colonialism in the global south.

Anselm Oettel and Patty Stenger | Animation | 02'19''

When Gina suspects that her lover is seeing someone else, she draws attention with a very risky climb with which she not only puts herself in danger. For a moment, it looks like this will help her win her lover back. But love will not be forced.

Salma Chafouk Idrissi | Live-Action | 20'00''

When Lamya visits her father, who has just moved back from Morocco to Amsterdam, she literally and figuratively feels hot under her feet during a heat wave in the Netherlands. She has no attitude, and there are many awkward silences. It is, therefore, no small matter for Lamya that her father has returned with his new family after years of being away. In the meantime, they have had sporadic contact, but much of the close bond has faded and changed.

Ayla van Kessel | Live-Action | 19'40''

As brand new president, Bo puts her best foot forward at the reunion dinner of Cybele, the sorority founded by her grandmother in 1967 for women's freedom and equal rights. When Bo's best friend and fellow board member appears in a compromising video, casting Cybele in a bad light, Bo asks her to stay away from the reunion. But when grandmother and founding mother (played by Dieuwertje Blok) is told, she teaches Bo and her yearmates a great lesson about solidarity and walking your own path without fear of (online) reputation damage.

Bernou van Dijk | Live-Action | 15'08''

Juna and Noah are taking a break from the road not far from a parked motor. The two women are making a motorcycle trip to France to fulfil a promise to Zora, who died about a year ago. The longing to share the grief Noah feels for her passed away lover clashes with Juna, who feels unable to mourn her sister. Moving south through a landscape of rolling hills, stopping at gas stations and sleeping at an eerie motel, the tension between the women builds, and Juna can't escape her feelings any longer.

Niels Bourgonje | Live-Action | 09’00’’

A man cares for his comatose wife at their rundown home. After a transgression, he fears something sinister has awakened in her.

Robin Noorda | Animation | 16’00’’

The film tackles urgent earthly issues, as seen by a lonely astronaut, called Antonio, who was left behind on the moon after his coming out.
The Moon Guard, a statue of a skinned warrior rising from the moon's surface, symbolises defence against the danger of space debris from above. In addition to the climate crisis, human waste, even in space, determines our fate. Ultimately, collisions between space debris and satellites will cause a cascade of collisions that will destroy all communications. It's called Kessler syndrome. The earth ends up with a Saturn like dust ring of metal and silicon. Antonio is aware of these problems and as he put's it: “It is one small scrap by man, one giant heap by mankind.” He tries to do some terra forming on the moon and finally he meets the all knowing 'I am AI' who also happens to be the voice over.

Tom Gera | Live-Action | 07’00’’

In a world where dance shapes reality, aging virtuoso Sensei celebrates his protégé Juno's debut. As Sensei's ego flares, Juno's uncanny mirroring ignites a surreal showdown. Both dancers manipulate their surroundings, Sensei's massive, monumental creations clashing with Juno's fluid, avant-garde experiments. Trapped by past glories, Sensei struggles with fading stardom while Juno's innovative talent blooms. Their relationship evolves from mentorship to a dangerous power play, peaking in a breathtaking aerial duel. Sensei puppeteers Juno, unaware their connection goes both ways. In his attempt to control Juno, Sensei unknowingly orchestrates his own downfall. Too late, he realises he's paved the way for Juno's rise, sealing his tragic fate.

Veras Fawaz | Live-Action | 19’31’’

Meili's complicated life turns for the worse when she tries to sell her suitcase to a mysterious stranger.