Drum roll, please... we’re incredibly excited to welcome the one and only Christopher Mack to Shortcutz Amsterdam on June 16.

Christopher is the Director of Grow Creative for Netflix International Originals, where he supports and develops creative talent around the world. Before joining Netflix, he built an extraordinary career across some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. He started at NBC Studios, where he worked on iconic series such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and In the House, before spending years writing for acclaimed dramas including ER, The Practice and The New Twilight Zone.

Christopher later led the renowned Warner Bros. Television Workshop, helping launch and support the careers of countless writers and directors, while also working on hit series such as Two and a Half Men and Smallville. Before Netflix, he served as Senior Vice President of Scripted Content at Stage 13, overseeing original productions including the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Special and It's Bruno!.

He’ll join us to talk about his remarkable journey through the industry, discovering and nurturing talent, and what it takes to build a sustainable creative career in today's global film and television landscape.

We’re really happy to welcome Anne de Clercq to Shortcutz Amsterdam on June 9.

Anne is one of the Netherlands’ most acclaimed directors, known for her ability to move effortlessly between film, television and documentary. Her work includes feature films such as Paaz (2026), Soof 3 (2021) and Jack Bestelt een Broertje (2015), as well as series including Soof: Een Nieuw Begin and Tessa. She has also directed documentaries such as BILAL WAHIB: altijd – altijd and Snelle, Zonder Jas Naar Buiten.

She’ll join us to talk about her latest feature, Paaz, which will become available on Netflix on June 5, and to share insights into her career, creative process, and approach to storytelling.

We’re really happy to welcome Jon Karthaus to Shortcutz Amsterdam on June 2.

Jon is a filmmaker, screenwriter and producer who has built an impressive career both in front of and behind the camera. After first becoming known to many audiences through Zoop, he went on to direct and produce successful films and series including Bon Bini Holland 2, Costa!!, Homies, The Dadchelor and Fijn Weekend.

Most recently, Jon has been behind Kees Flodder, the highly anticipated reboot of one of the most iconic Dutch franchises. The series quickly became the number-one title on Videoland, introducing the beloved Flodder universe to a new generation while carrying the expectations of longtime fans.

He’ll join us to talk about the challenge of breathing new life into a well-known IP, balancing nostalgia with fresh ideas, and the responsibility that comes with reimagining a Dutch classic for today's audience. ✨

We're honoured to welcome legendary cinematographer Theo van de Sande to Shortcutz Amsterdam on May 26.

Theo is a Dutch cinematographer whose five-decade career has shaped modern cinema, from pioneering European classics to iconic Hollywood productions. A graduate of the Dutch Film Academy, he won the Golden Calf for Best Cinematography in 1982 and 1987, and his work on The Assault made it the first Dutch film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His Hollywood filmography includes the visually groundbreaking Blade (1998), as well as Cruel Intentions, Wayne's World, Volcano, and Homefront. Beyond features, Theo has co-produced award-winning documentaries, including Colors Straight Up (Academy Award nominated) and Steal a Pencil for Me. An ASC member since 1991, he continues teaching international master classes worldwide.

He'll join us to share insights from his legendary career and discuss the craft of cinematography across genres, eras, and continents. ✨

We're really happy to welcome directors Joosje Duk and Saskia Diesing to Shortcutz Amsterdam on May 19.

They'll join us to talk about the international drama series Máxima, which launched its new season on March 14. The series tells the life story of Dutch Queen Máxima, starring Martijn Lakemeier and Delfina Chaves, and has been sold to over 25 countries worldwide and is already confirmed for season 3!

Joosje has been building a distinctive voice across shorts, series and features. Before Máxima, her short film Night (2016) won the HuffPost Arts Impact Award and premiered at 25+ festivals, while her comedy series Almost Starring (2021) was nominated for a Golden Calf. Her feature directorial debut, Happy Ending (2023), premiered on Netflix and reached #3 on the Global Top 10 with over 6.6 million views.

Saskia has established herself through prestige feature films and television. Her feature debut, Nena (2014), won the Golden Calf for Best Director and earned a Special Mention from the Generation 14+ International Jury in Berlin. She has since directed the features Dorst (Craving, 2018) and De Zitting (Judgement Call, 2021), and the brilliant series Het Verloren Transport (Lost Transport, 2022). ✨

We’re really happy to welcome director Ivo van Aart to Shortcutz Amsterdam on May 12.

Ivo is a director working across feature films, short films and series, known for his sharp mix of dark humour, tension and genre storytelling. His television film De Kuthoer (2020) was released internationally under the title The Columnist, and in 2026 he released his second television film Geestig (You’re Killing Me), which he also co-wrote.

He’ll join us to talk about his latest project Bovensloters, the new eight-part series premiering this summer on NPO Start from July 23, created together with PowNed and Newbe and his amazing career. ✨

We’re really happy to welcome directors Fadua El Akchaoui and Michael Middelkoop to Shortcutz Amsterdam on May 5.

They’ll join us to talk about the new Videoland Original series Rippers, premiering on April 17, 2026, featuring a strong crime cast including Marouane Meftah, Ahlaam Teghadouini and Bilal Wahib.

Fadua has been building a distinctive voice across theatre and screen. Before Rippers, she worked on projects such as Meskina, Zina, Romaissa and Sihame.

Michael’s earlier work includes Netflix & Chill, Vakkenvullers, Snor, Cronos, Zina and Trauma Porn Club. In 2024, he won the Golden Calf for Best Direction for Dit is geen kerstfilm, and recently continued that trajectory with Straatcoaches vs Aliens.

We’re really happy to welcome Ellie de Lange to Shortcutz Amsterdam on April 28.

Ellie is a Dutch-British actress who has been building a strong international career, with roles in series such as Run Away (2026), Wolf Hall – The Mirror and The Light (2024), The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024) and The Serpent (2021). She is also known for her work closer to home in Arcadia (2023, 2025), Hockeyvaders (2023) and Follow the Soa (2021), alongside her work in theatre.

She’ll join us to talk about her journey as an actress, working across different countries and productions, and her experience on projects like the Netflix series Run Away.

We’re really happy to welcome David Verbeek to Shortcutz Amsterdam on April 21.

David will join us to talk about his latest film, The Wolf, The Fox & The Leopard, which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival. The film is set to be released in cinemas on April 16, 2026.

His ninth feature follows a feral young woman, played by Jessica Reynolds, who was raised by wolves and is suddenly brought into modern society.

Over the years, David has built a strong and distinctive body of work, with films such as R U There (selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard), Full Contact (winner of the Forum of Directors Award at the Netherlands Film Festival), How to Describe a Cloud, and Dead & Beautiful, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

We’re really happy to welcome the one and only Joram Lürsen to Shortcutz Amsterdam on April 14. ✨

Joram is the director, creator and showrunner behind high-end series such as Dag en Nacht (2023–2026), and has directed projects like De Toeslagenaffaire (2024), Van der Valk (2022), NOOD (2021–2022) and Judas (2019). Alongside his work in television, he has directed successful feature films, including The Resistance Banker (2018), the Dutch entry for the Academy Awards, and Alles is Liefde (2007), which has been remade internationally.

He’ll join us to talk about his career, the last season of Dag en Nacht, and share some of the insights he’s gathered along the way. 

🎬 Special Guest: Lotte Verbeek – April 7

We’re really happy to welcome Lotte Verbeek to Shortcutz Amsterdam on April 7.

Lotte has built an impressive international career, with roles in projects like The Fault in Our Stars (2014), Outlander (2014), The Blacklist (2013), The Borgias, Nuremberg (2025) among many others. She’ll join us to talk about her journey, her experiences working across different countries and productions, and what she’s learned along the way. ✨ A special chance to hear from someone who has navigated both Dutch and international sets, and to pick up some valuable insights for new talent.

🎬 Special Guest: Danny Leysner and Ruben Noordenbos – March 31

We’re happy to welcome director Danny Leysner and cinematographer Ruben Noordenbos to Shortcutz Amsterdam on March 31.

They will join us to talk about Loverboy: Vertrouw Niemand, sharing how the project developed and what it takes to bring a story like this to life. With Danny directing and Ruben as cinematographer, this is a great chance to hear about the collaboration between directing and cinematography, and how visual choices shape the film's tone and storytelling. ✨ Looking forward to a good conversation around the making of the film and the process behind it.

🎬 Special Guests: Eddy Terstall and Roberta Petzoldt – March 24

We’re really happy to welcome director Eddy Terstall and actress Roberta Petzoldt to Shortcutz Amsterdam on March 24.

They’ll join us to talk about Land van Johan and share a bit more about how the film came together, from the first ideas to the collaboration on set. Eddy has been a rockstar of the Dutch film landscape for many years, and together with Roberta, they bring a really interesting dynamic to this project. ✨ It’s a nice opportunity to hear about the process behind the film and how a story like this finds its way to the screen.

Annick Sickinghe | Documentary | 14’47’’

Fleur survived a brain tumour at the age of four, but was left with permanent brain damage. As a result, the step toward living independently feels especially big. As Fleur works toward independence, her doubts grow stronger. Can she take care of herself? Can she cope with the intensity of city life and the demands of a music program? And do her parents dare to let her go?

Nico Strik Peña | Live-Action | 14’59’’

Three former classmates unexpectedly run into each other during a diner robbery. An awkward reunion among a criminal, a police officer, and a diner employee, as they face the different life paths that have led them there.

Emma Evelein | Experimental | 05’59’’

Born into you' is a short film that celebrates one of the most important elements of life: belonging to each other and ourselves. Two characters are born into a world that, unlike each other, has nothing to offer. They look opposite from the outside, but after meeting, they develop a deep bond. They develop their maturity through the security they offer each other.

Joey Pavić | Live-Action | 15’12’’

Ryan meets his mother, Nia, for the first time since coming out, at a restaurant celebrating the life of his late father. And their waiter is Ryan's old fling, Gabriel. As Ryan tries to connect with his mother, she has trouble accepting her son’s urges to talk about his father and his open sexuality.

Martijn Holtslag | Live-Action | 16’40’’

In a divided medieval society, a musician's son is abducted, compelling him to perform at the governor's event. Armed with a mystic instrument, he pursues a melodious retribution, striving for liberty.

Iniyavan Elumalai | Live-Action | 18’25’’

Four gay Indian friends share an unbreakable bond on a cricket field in the Netherlands. But when one agrees to an arranged marriage in India, their chosen family begins to unravel.

Joep van Weelden | Documentary | 20’00’’

What does it mean to be a man among men? Using video footage from a turbulent boys’ trip to Valencia, Joep van Weelden and his friends examine ten years later how and why they crossed one another’s boundaries.

Rosa Lackroy | Live-Action | 20’00’’

After twenty-something Nora moves in with her boyfriend Jonah, the life he wants to build for them feels increasingly suffocating: the apartment doesn’t feel like hers, his family disapproves of her, and the future laid out before her doesn’t seem to fit. The film follows Nora as she floats through a cold and alienating city in search of a life of her own.

Adil Tahri | Documentary | 15’05’’

Between Father and Son follows a single father struggling to keep his son on the right path as the pull of the streets grows stronger and their bond fractures. When the situation reaches a breaking point, youth worker Hamid steps in, becoming an unexpected bridge between father and son.

Miguel Domingues | Animation | 14’59’’

I first met Jay at Kanaal40, a bar located in Amsterdam’s Warmoesstraat. I worked behind the bar, Jay worked as a security guard at the door.
At the threshold of the club, Jay found a sense of security: a space to express themselves and explore who they want to be.

Floris van Doorn | Live-Action | 20’00’’

Mart (40), long tormented by murderous urges, kidnaps his neighbour Chris after his failed suicide attempt. While Chris is locked away in the attic, Mart wrestles with the question of whether he will finally give in to his dark desire. While downstairs, his wife is leading a large-scale search for the missing neighbour.

Milan van Helvoort | Live-Action | 14’29’’

Mino is a naïve 18-year-old working at a Chinese restaurant. Despite looking like an average Dutchman, he is subjected to discrimination as if he were of Asian descent. As he becomes more aware of this, he can no longer escape it in his daily life. A series of unsettling events unfold around him, triggering a transformation that forces him to confront his true self in a disturbing way.

Jikkie Schelling | Live-Action | 15’00’’

In a desolate fishing village where romantic love has long been forgotten, two residents are struck by lightning like a bolt from the blue. They claim that it wasn't lightning but love that awakened a deep longing in the other villagers, especially 27-year-old Una.

Kilian Brons | Live-Action | 15’45’’

During World War I, de Dodendraad ("The Wire of Death") divided neutral Netherlands from occupied Belgium. On a small farm along this border, a humble Dutch farmer struggles to maintain his peaceful life. With the horrors of war drawing closer, turning a blind eye becomes harder with each passing day.

Deniz Arikan | Live-Action | 20’00’’

In Rotterdam, a city rebuilt from memory and shaped by modernity, two architects meet for a single day. Daniel, a local, is assigned to guide Emre, a visitor from Istanbul, through the city's landmarks. What begins as a professional tour gradually reveals their differences in freedom, identity and belonging, almost as if Rotterdam and Istanbul themselves were meeting for a day.

Sander Blom | Live-Action | 15’45’’

An estranged father and daughter climb the mountain Yr Wyddfa together. Along the way, it becomes clear why they haven't talked to each other for so long and which occasion brings them together today. Is their love strong enough to overcome old pain?

Matthijs Sluijs | Live-Action | 20’00’’

During an island visit with her mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Lina struggles with her parents' looming divorce. She meets Dylan (17) and is drawn to her harmonious family dynamic, a painful contrast to her own situation.

Bodhi Le Belle | Live-Action | 11’54’’

When benign starter Jos accidentally kills the realtor during a house visit, he will have to be merciless to provide his new family with a home. Pressured by his pregnant girlfriend Marie, he makes one bad decision after another. But does a ruthless attitude suffice in the overheated housing market?

Jort Ploos van Amstel, Crissi Apostolidis | Documentary | 16’52’’

In a family where birthdays often end in arguments or awkward silences, Crissi has had enough. Her birthday becomes a design experiment: the familiar gathering - cake, polite smiles, small talk - is transformed into a stage. Using Brechtian estrangement, ingrained patterns come to light and are disrupted, in the hope that this time something new might be said.

Eva Cals | Live-Action | 14’18’’

26 years after losing their fourth member, Lou, three women (50) come together to celebrate her birthday. Whilst blowing out her candles, it becomes clear how much they have grown apart. When the power goes out suddenly, the women are confronted with the ghosts of their past. Will this unexpected, now-physical memory be enough for them to try again? Or will they now leave each other and therefore Lou behind for good?

Chris de Krijger | Live-Action | 10’04’’

Gedoetjes explores the absurdity of everyday life by following the small setbacks and trivial conflicts of ordinary people from an extremely wide bird’s-eye perspective.

Ellen van Kempen | Experimental | 16’45’’

An intimate crossover between theatre and film, in which a woman makes an irreversible decision, fueled by revenge and driven by love for her daughter.

Peter Balm | Live-Action | 17’13’’

When Bo returns home after a bender, he discovers he has the wrong house keys. Locked up in the outside world, he gets confronted with his lifestyle while he tries to keep up his mask.

Izak Berman | Live-Action | 16’42’’

Following his father's death, Gabriël and his mother live a secluded life in the countryside. After Gabriël finds a dead dove in the garden, something strange and miraculous begins to occur, offering new perspectives to him and his mother.

Yentl Vlachos | Live-Action | 11’00’’

During a summer day at the lake, 20-year-old Sef wrestles with unspoken feelings for his best friend, navigating fear, desire, and the fragile boundaries of friendship.

Karine Roldaan | Live-Action | 12’00’’

In Première, we follow the story of 17-year-old Joël, a young musician at a thrilling moment in his life, as he and his bandmates are given the chance to perform on a major stage. From the outside, it looks like success is finally arriving. The band is gaining recognition, Joël seems to thrive in the spotlight, and he even falls in love. But appearances can be deceiving.

Orson Levy-Langeveld | Live-Action | 19’00’’

Three opposites- a caring young man who dares not make choices, a strategic outsider and a reckless daredevil- embark on a dangerous road trip together in their quest for freedom. But can these disparate characters join forces, or will their clashing values only lead to chaos?

Vincent Konings | Live-Action | 13’59’’

1725, the Austrian Netherlands. A series of sinister events in a village near Maastricht sets young medical assistant William on the trail of a dark conspiracy. Determined to uncover the truth, he delves deeper, while the danger closes in.

Elia & Jiska Mitalas | Live-Action | 14’30’’

The Hague, 1960s. The city is torn apart by rival youth gangs: the Nozem groups known as the Kikkers and the Plu. Ronnie (15) looks up to his older brother Loet (18), the leader of the Plu, and will do anything to earn a place in the gang. But when Loet casts out Ronnie’s friend Paul for being a Kikker, Ronnie is forced to make a choice. During a night filled with rebellion, temptation, and violence, he discovers that loyalty comes at a price: will he stand by his brother, or by his friend?

Mees van Keeken & Mika Kuilboer | Animation | 02’30’’

In the deep, dark sewers, rats seek a way of escaping their regular rat life. Drinkin’ and swingin’ the night away in the underground jazzbar, where rats meet and greet…