“What’s up Next?” is a series of articles and interviews meant to better showcase the trajectories of our Next Talents.
We are meeting the 2025-2026 XR generation in two key moments: at the start of their trajectory – focussing on finding out more about the artists and what they expect from the program, and at the end of their course, discussing the things they picked up on the way.
With this first interview we are introducing you to hybrid maker Eva Heijnen.
Eva Heijnen is a hybrid maker. “I graduated as an actor from ArtEZ Theatre School in Arnhem in 2014, and trained further at the Lee Strasberg Institute (NYC) and Stella Adler Academy (LA)”, Eva says. “I still perform, but over the past decade I’ve also developed as a theatre-maker and film director. I’ve focused a lot on immersive theatre and I’m now expanding into XR storytelling.”
We asked Eva to tell us a bit more about a project close to her heart. “Time Ripple, my latest project, is an interactive film installation for children aged 7–11 that allows them to make story choices via physical ‘controllers’ (made by Keez Duyves) and see the climate consequences unfold across time.
All of the images will be generated through AI by Dionne Cats. It’s playful and cinematic, but also urgent. For me, it reflects my belief that interaction can create emotional ownership: if you choose something, you care about it more. The project will premiere at Cinekid 2025.”
“As a creator”, Eva continues, “I think I dare to be both playful and confronting. I’m drawn to projects that explore uncomfortable subjects (beauty, trauma, self-image, power) but I always try to tell them through a lens that is poetic, strange or immersive. I want the audience to feel like they’re part of it, not just watching from a safe seat.”
We also questioned Eva about a project that inspired her: “There are so many… But my first big immersive theatre experience was Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More in New York. I will never forget that one. I would love to make a show like Sleep No More, but adding on some more audience agency!”
We were curious how Eva found out about our Next XR Talent Program. “It was Nienke Huitenga, our group leader <3, who told me about the program! When I read about the support, the sparring, and the access to people who really understand interactive and hybrid storytelling, it made me extremely excited.”
“Throughout the program” she continues “I want to develop Do You Want to be Inside Yara from concept into a fully-fledged XR funding application and prototype. An interactive experience where you, as the viewer, enter a girl’s phone and have to respond to text, voice memos and finally… a video call. The narrative is shaped by your behaviour. The AI watches you watching her. It’s a project that experiments with open world storytelling, AI-generated responses, and deepfake video to explore consent, digital intimacy and boundary-crossing behaviour. The Next program gives me the right network, pressure and guidance to do this well, both creatively and ethically.”
Who would Eva pick as her dream mentor? “Vincent Morisset. His poetic use of interaction, subtle use of technology, and attention to emotional timing and narrative rhythm is exactly the direction I want to explore. His work proves that digital doesn’t have to mean detached and that’s something I want to learn more about!”
Excellent choice and amazing insights! We are utterly excited to witness Eva’s development during her Next XR Talent trajectory!