The future of filmmaking shines bright. Join us as we showcase the visionary work of a new generation of creators. Prepare to be dazzled by innovative storytelling, hybrid forms, and multidisciplinary and boundary-pushing artistry. Next Gem is a gem picking program celebrating the freshest talent with cutting-edge creativity. Witness the birth of tomorrow’s creative legends.
WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM – JOYSI OLIJHOEK
When imagination and understanding can freely harmonize, it could happen, on purpose or by accident: an idea forms. In this short film found footage, sounds, and words, all retrieved from archives, are brought together to playfully explore the relatedness between these seemingly random finds. Joysi is a Willem de Kooning graduate.
DREAMS OF YESTERDAY – KHATTAR SHAHEEN
‘Dreams of Yesterday’ a charcoal animation, portrays the raw experience of displacement and the challenges of forced migration. Without the use of storyboards, the creator delves into his own refugee experience, harnessing chaos and uncertainty to craft an intuitive animation. The unique approach adds an extra layer to the uncertain emotions associated with forced migration. The animation takes viewers on an impressive journey, brimming with visual imagination and deeply-felt emotions. Inspired by personal experiences and the struggles of refugees, the creator captures the complexity and impact of uncertainty in a captivating manner. ‘Dreams of Yesterday’ is an authentic and expressive creation that immerses the audience in the intesity of refugee existence and the quest for a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. Khattar is a Playgrounds Next talent.
MANLY FEELINGS – CHRIS BLOM
Why do men not talk about feelings? The film lingers in these difficult questions. Various men shine a light on their difficulties with sharing their emotions. Chris is a Willem de Kooning Academy graduate.
DIRECTED BY – CHIARA PASTOOR
‘Directed By’ is an experimental short film showing a collection of erotic, surrealistic and humorous self-portraits. Self-portrait artist and filmmaker Chiara Pastoor takes agency of her body and sexuality and indulges in self-pleasure. Reclaiming the power as both the director and the woman in the image, she redefines self-portraits within the notions of the male, female and internalized male gaze. Chiara Pastoor is a Playgrounds Next talent.
AN ELEPHANT IN THE PORCELAIN CABINET – BONNE STEINZ
‘An Elephant in the Porcelain Cabinet’ is a stop-motion and 2D animated short film about damage and how we deal with it, visualized through a fragile space that receives a clumsy visitor. It is an exploration by the creator into material, technique and learning to open up. Bonne is a Willem de Kooning Academy graduate.
NEXT PLEASE – EVA BONNEVITS
I have always been afraid of the doctor and now so will you. In this fever dream or rather fever nightmare I will take you on a never-ending doctor’s appointment straight out of HELL. Eva is a Playgrounds Next talent.