JURY's REPORTS
NOVEMBER 2019
Winner: AT FIRST SIGHT by SJAAK ROOD
Runner-up: A NORMAL LIFE by LEON DE LEVITA
A NORMAL LIFE
'Director Leon de Levita’s heavy drama powerfully explores the consequences of loneliness and isolation.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'Important theme. Good acting' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
AT FIRST SIGHT
'Consistent in style and catchy' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
'The animation is inventive, exciting, and imaginative. Director Sjaak Rood has crafted a visual delight with a story both darkly funny and profoundly sad.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
SNOR
'Funny and very timely' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
'Snor is a very well directed film, bristling with a unique tone, dark wit, and an intriguing central character.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
OCTOBER 2019
Winner: NOBU by SARAH BLOK
Runner-up: HOW COUNTRIES FIGH THEIR WARS by Thomas Loopstra
14.05 ALWAYS A KIND OF ONWARD
'Visual poem. Touching.' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
BEST MOM EVER
'This is a film with an insightful script and well-written characters that perfectly captures the nuances and difficulties of marriage.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
HOLD ON
'Bart Schrijver delivers a hilarious snapshot of absurdist comedy, showing command over the dark humor and getting good performances from his two leads.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
HOW COUNTRIES FIGH THEIR WARS
'Incredible animation. Very funny too.' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
NOBU
'This man is so charming and outrageous - I watched it 3 times.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'Very endearing and stylish doc about a charming man' Eddy Terstall, Director (Simon, Meet me in Venice)
SWIPE
'With to the point editing, clever sound design and a minimal cast the filmmakers succeed in telling a scary social horror story which, I imagine, could be based on true events. Apart from the genre, the makers show that they can make a gripping, beautifully shot short film with minimal necessities. Looking forward to seeing what's next.' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
THE BURDEN
'Nico Van den Brink has crafted a very scary horror film with intriguing mythology and great tension.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
SEPTEMBER 2019
Winner: SCHOOL’S OUT by Jamille van Wijngaarden
Runner-up: nest by Liza Koifman
ECHOING MEMORIES
‘Makes all kinds of memories acceptable with beautiful images.’ Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
KRAUT GIRL
‘A compelling re-telling of the Scarlett Letter, Kraut Girl explores serious themes with intensity and nuance.’ Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
"A history issue understandable, I hope.’ Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
NEST
‘Driven by fantastic performances, notably Liza Koifman, Nest is a deeply affecting, but quiet drama burning with rage and tension.’ Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
‘Beautiful cinematography and nice cast.’ Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
SAFE HEAVEN
‘Two young girls are the safe haven of this film and save this slightly cliché apocalyptic tale which is beautifully shot. Special effects are nice’ Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
SCHOOL'S OUT
‘A darkly funny film about the monster inside all of us. Interesting music and clever editing create a unique tone, which is encapsulated in the wonderfully wacky performance from Raymonde De Kuyper.’ Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
‘Absolutely hilarious and recognisable.’ Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
‘Great acting!! Good story." Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
JUNE 2019
Winner: fundament by wilbert van veldhuizen
Runner-up: commit by Tommy Köhlbrugge & Lars Cleven AND LIFE AWAY FROM HOME by Guus Schuijl
FUNDAMENT
‘Where is this going? I am much intrigued. Was the Church the foundation of this community? Has it been sunk into the ocean? into Hell? I watched this several times and feel challenged.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
‘A weird, imaginative little folk tale, with unique animation and a terrifically atmospheric score' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
COMMIT
‘What a joy to watch the action and the beaming face of this boy. If he was my grandson, I would have sleepless nights. These talented youngsters and their trainer were so well filmed and edited. Congratulation. I watched it three times. (I admit: I am also a bit envious).' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
LIFE AWAY FROM HOME
'Although brief, Guus Schuijl’s documentary is a powerful snapshot of what it means to be a refugee in this world.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
NOW OR NEVER AGAIN
'An emotional documentary about loss and regret that wisely resists sentimentality in favor of reflection, doubt, and realism.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
SAMOERAAI
'Beautifully played and seen from the perspective of a young boy.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
'A permanent topic of a broken family. A young boy and his older sister - he is a child, she is a young woman - he is the defender of their fragile existence, if only in his dream. A lovely film.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
THE INTERNET
'Wonderful idea to simplify a complex issue this way. Well executed. For me, by far the best film of this month.' Rene Wolf, Head of Acquisitions and Senior Programmer at EYE Filmmuseum
'An original and interesting take on today’s online privacy concerns.' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
MAY 2019
Winner: CROW’s nest by Flynn Von Kleist
Runner-up: ONE OF THE BOYS by IVO VAN AART
CROW'S NEST
'Flynn Von Kleist brings out powerful performances in this heartfelt and emotional tale about real people fighting against hardship in a big world.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'Far too much on this boy's shoulder' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'What makes you ‘family’? It's a question I've been asking myself all my life, from my personal experience. Is caring for each other something that makes family? But sometimes a non-biological ‘family member’ like a friend or a foster parent (in the film) takes better ‘care’ of you - with more sincerity and less selfishness - than someone with whom you have a blood connection. But still you can't get away, yet "family" is something elusive, you can't run away from it. Beautifully portrayed, the resilience of people, of children. Young and old keep trying, but seem unable to break old patterns.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
'A heartfelt story that is at times a bit hard to watch. Perfect blend for something that matters so much.' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
ON AIR
'A deliciously taught thriller with commanding direction, a smart script, and a compelling lead performance from Sytse Faber.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
ONE OF THE BOYS
'Director Ivo van Aart smartly uses a school locker room and korfball practice as the setting to tell a realistic, timely, and relevant portrait of the behaviour of men and women in our society.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'True - I am 82, but I remember how it was 68 years ago - hell.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'Three films this month about young people growing up in the Netherlands and their struggle with family ties, identity, sexuality, friendship, loyalty and love. Although of course its like comparing ‘apples and pears’. For me, One of the boys was above the others because of the excellent timing of the film. Everything resembles rhythm: the actors' timing is excellent, the dialogues are short and snappy, the action and editing are perfectly timed. The scenario is good, the conversations are plausible. The acting performance is above average. The story universal but at the same time really rainy Dutch. Loyalty, individuality and honesty are complicated issues if you simply want to belong and be ‘one of the boys’' Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
RHYTHM IN PERSON
'Most original, beautifully done - I wanted more, a conclusion, not "and they lived happily ever after", a serious conclusion. Still, I loved it.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
YULIA & JULIET
'Sexy, loose, in thunderous colors, wonderfully acted. The classic story retold in candy pink, a feast for the eyes.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Programmer at De Balie
'Where there story lacks a bit in originality it makes up for with beautiful composed shots, great use of colors and framing. A present for the eyes.' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
APRIL 2019
Winner: DAYDREAMING by YIM brakel
Runner-up: tribe of ghosts by almicheal fraay
DAYDREAMING
'Beautifully shot and edited, the film is a lovely meditation on life, death, and connection.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'I am 82, but I still remember those days of daydreaming' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'Beautiful Film, strong balance of elements, strong concept.' Kim Sherman, Senior Production Executive at Warner Bros, Stage 13
'Tender, poetic but at the same time raw & inescapable this contemporary tale from different views & perspectives: in its characters, in their background, in their experience of the same event. We differ and at the same time, we do not at all. ‘Welcome to the future’, they all say in the film, what a glory that is with this new generation of Dutch actors.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)
'It is beautiful with cruelty. It fascinates me.' Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
RUN BABY RUN
'Gritty, intense, and compelling, Run Baby Run is a haunting tale of troubled lovers on the run. An artistic examination of flawed human nature, showing that even those who do evil deeds have the capacity to love.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
SCREWED
'Hilarious and inventive. Screwed is an exciting, quirky homage to comedy within the classic silent film, and showcases a terrific physical performance from Matin Dadfar.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'Wow. This film is a feast! First of all my personal discovery of this fantastic Iranian-born actor with so many registers: from slapstick and 'cartoonesque' to truly dramatic and a bit foolish romantic back to an elastic modern Charlie Chaplin. Different genres pass by at a rapid pace not to stand still for too long. And there we run again, literally, along with genres, emotions, situations, locations and spheres. The editing is dynamic and rhythmic, the camerawork pulls you ín this crazy film. And then the expressive actors do the rest all non-verbally. It’s smart, witty, I love it!' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)"
SLEEPERS
'Cleverly balanced tones, good performances, strong production value.' Kim Sherman, Senior Production Executive at Warner Bros, Stage 13
TRIBE OF GHOSTS
'Heartbreaking subject balanced well with vibrant cinematography. Strong choice to deliver information in a more lyrical form.' Kim Sherman, Senior Production Executive at Warner Bros, Stage 13
'And BAM, we get to watch this strong short documentary about albino children in Africa. Heartbreaking, staggering, totally confusing. Important, freaking important. How is this still possible in the world we live in today? We need more information, knowledge. That's what film can do. Clever to make such a statement in such a short film. Courageous one.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)"
'"Shock" is the only word that comes to my mind while seeing this.' Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
WON'T FORGET YOU
'So well observed, though the reality is probably less romantic' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'Well done. Well played. “Uit het leven gegrepen”' Willeke van Ammelrooy, Actress (Antonia, De Lift)
MARCH 2019
Winner: ACCIDENT by David Cocheret
Runner-up: AMEEN by Ismar Vejzovic & Bafl Sarhang
Accident
'Finding dark comedic moments in a dire and serious situation, director David Cocheret has crafted a quirky, visceral short film. It's unexpected and packs a punch. Also, the two lead actors give fantastic performances.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'Well crafted story. Starts with high stakes and still leaves room to escalate tension. Excellent sense of character and backstory. Well-balanced dual-tones.' Kim Sherman, Senior Production Executive at Warner Bros, Stage 13
'A lot takes place around a car, a (whole) life together, or is it apart, reveals itself by accident after accident. Clever how the makers sketch such a rich story in such a short time & limited space. Good script, nice acting performances. Drama and a lot of humor at the same time.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former-Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)
'The accident blew me away with grace, humor, pacing, photography, edit, all of it.What more do you want?' Rutger Hauer, Actor (Blade Runner, Batman Begins, Turks Fruits)
'Good and realistic reconstruction that works on all levels. Entertaining level is high.' Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
'The best thing this film has going for it is its unique way of getting to the actual story. The writer found a great twist to get to the point. Very well done!' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
Alaraph
'Strong point of view. Excellence in performance, cinematography, editing and sound design. Nimble balance of tone. Well crafted and concise short-form story. Fun lens on toxic-masculinity. Ambitious production value. Completely original.' Kim Sherman, Senior Production Executive at Warner Bros, Stage 13
'Timeless but at the same time as story about our time, and past times. Beautifully made, strong acting performance and cinematography.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former-Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)"
Alone with everyone's love
'Meditative, beautifully shot, and powerfully acted, this film takes a poem and turns it into cinematic form. In less than four minutes director Paulien van Hummel has packed an emotional story about loneliness, isolation, and depression in the face of potential happiness.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)
'Solid performances that work. The directing style and cinematography make this a very coherent and powerful movie. Love the ending looking into the camera, what is a great directorial choice.' Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
'I really loved this short. The music combined with great cinematography makes for a touching short film about a girl and her moments in life that feel almost like an actual memory.' Vincent van Ommen, Actor (The Dark Knight Rises, Amsterdam Heavy)
Ameen
'Most relevant all over the world these days. Like last year’s “A Man fell from the Sky”, a reminder that Europe is being weighed and may be found too light.' Jan Harlan, Producer (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut)
'This is how it goes, well how it can go. Important, disturbing, really urgent and current. To bring such a delicate subject so beautifully and cinematic. It touches us even harder, more.' Parwin Mirrahimy, Former-Head of Programme Nederlands Film Festival (NFF)
'Very realistic story telling that works on all levels. Gripping realistic.' Roel Reiné, Director (Marvel’s Inhumans, Black Sails, Redbad)
Vilshult: An Amsterdam picture from IKEA
'The only Documentary from the films tells an interesting and emotional story about what it means to be an artist. This is a powerful, funny, film about how every photograph (even if it is mass produced from IKEA) has a story, and there is always an artist behind the art.' Hany Abu-Assad, Director (Paradise Now, Omar, The Mountain Between Us)