We’re honoured to welcome filmmakers Antonia Colodro and Alaa Hathleen to Shortcutz Amsterdam for Session 368 on 18 November. Their documentary Living Despite Them was made between New York and the West Bank: Alaa and his family filmed every moment inside Palestine, and Antonia shaped that material into the story we’ll see tonight.

After the screening, we’ll connect via a live video call to New York and the West Bank to speak with both directors. Join us to hear them discuss their creative process and the realities behind the images, and bring your questions for a direct conversation with the filmmakers.

Lotte Salomons | Documentary | 19’16’’

In the southeast of Hungary, the town of Békéscsaba lies, where poverty, loneliness, and political division shape daily life. On a cold Saturday in December 2020, a rooster escapes from the market. He settles on a square in the heart of the city and rises to become a national hero. Moved by his stubborn drive for freedom, the residents take him under their wing. What begins as a small act of kindness grows into a sense of unity and hope. But when the rooster dies, theories about his death begin to circulate, and the newly formed community suddenly unravels into mistrust and accusations.

Nicholas Kaiden, Hidde de Visser | Live-Action | 14’47’’

Police officers Kim van Beveren and Jeroen Koonings have been partners for over five years. Kim lives for the job, she's intuitive, meticulous, and driven - while Jeroen keeps things practical, treating the badge as nothing more than work. After a long, draining shift, the duo is eager to head home when one last call comes in: a noise complaint from an elderly couple, Bert and Clarissa van Zittaert.