An artist, writer and filmmaker Iain McCaig knows how to channel his multi-talents into creating iconic pop-culture designs. Such were his cover for Jethro Tull’s Broadsword and the Beast or his Star Wars designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. Iain divides his energies between a lifelong love of storytelling, and a passion belief that everyone in the world can learn to draw.
He has worked for more than four decades in the entertainment industry. He has created art for games and many films, among them are Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers:Infinity War, Harry Potter ant the Goblet of Fire, Peter Pan and well as the Star Wars franchise.
On 21 March, during Playgrounds International Film Festival we will welcome Iain to introduce us the film The Jungle Book, directed by JonFavreau, for which he worked as a concept artist.
OPENING NIGHT
with Aaron Blaise, Studio Birthplace, Next and Nawa Sira van Sluijs
artist talk, short film program
ARCANE
watch season 2 episode 1 & 2 on the big screen
film screening
THE ART OF THE 20 MIN PITCH
master the 20-minute pitch with Chris Mack (Netflix)
artist talk
I’M NOT A ROBOT
oscar shorts
short film program
MICKEY 17 (2025)
d. Bong Joon Ho
film screening
FILM COURSE: DESIGNING WORLDS
explore the core of production design
masterclass
STOP MOTION MAGIC
Aardman classics with Niels Hoebers
short film program, kids program
WORKSHOP: FLIPBOOK ANIMATION
with Aaron Blaise
workshop, kids program
SNOW BEAR
opening night
film screening, film fest
WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE A FILM WITH PAPER
with Vera van Wolferen
workshop, kids program
WANDER TO WONDER
oscar shorts
short film program
BEAUTIFUL MEN
oscar shorts
short film program
STOP MOTION CLASSICS
Aardman classics with Dan Ojari
short film program
FABULA (2025)
d. Michiel ten Horn
film screening
STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
official selection of student films
short film program
IK ZAL ZIEN (2025)
d. Mercedes Stalenhoef
film screening
THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016)
d. Jon Favreau
film screening
THE ART OF HAIR AND MAKE UP DESIGN
elevating storytelling with expert makeup & hair design
artist talk
GIVING A NEW VOICE TO ARCHIVAL MATERIAL
reclaiming history, redefining identity
artist talk
V FOR VENDETTA (2005)
d. James McTeigue
film screening
BEHIND THE SCENES OF AMSTERDAMNED 2
from photographer to film producer
artist talk
STORIES IGNITING ACTION
reclaiming storytelling for a healthy world
artist talk
MAKING MAGIC ON A BUDGET
learn how to create amazing films on a budget
artist talk
THROUGH THE LENS
pick the brains of experienced cinematographers
panel, Q&A
ANIMATION PITCH
keep an eye on future projects
pitch
REAL STORIES
hybrid documentaries
short film program
NEXT GEM
showcase of bright talent
short film program
SAUCY SELECTION
enjoy a saucy selection of short films by female and queer directors
short film program
MEETUP FOR INTERMEDIARIES AND EDUCATORS
get a taste of what Playgrounds International Film Festival is about
Q&A, education
EXPLORE OUR VENUE: NATLAB
practical info about the location
venue
FILMHELPDESK SPEED DATES
custom advice for your particular filmmaking challenge
Q&A
CINEMINI X PIFF
special program for the youngest cinephiles
short film program, kids program
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
connect young generations to the art of filmmaking
short film program, education
GREENER FILM MAKING
create with an eye on the future
panel, Q&A
ARCANE
watch season 2 episode 1 & 2 on the big screen
film screening
MICKEY 17 (2025)
d. Bong Joon Ho
film screening
IK ZAL ZIEN (2025)
d. Mercedes Stalenhoef
film screening
V FOR VENDETTA (2005)
d. James McTeigue
film screening
THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016)
d. Jon Favreau
film screening
FABULA (2025)
d. Michiel ten Horn
film screening
WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE A FILM WITH PAPER
with Vera van Wolferen
workshop, kids program
WORKSHOP: FLIPBOOK ANIMATION
with Aaron Blaise
workshop, kids program
CINEMINI X PIFF
special program for the youngest cinephiles
short film program, kids program
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
connect young generations to the art of filmmaking
short film program, education
STOP MOTION MAGIC
Aardman classics with Niels Hoebers
short film program, kids program
IMMATURE
student film competition
short film program, film screening
ART & DAVEY: THE HOUSEMATE FROM HELL
student film competition
short film program, film screening
WE ARE WAITING FOR SNOW
student film competition
short film program, film screening
SUPER DUPER MEGA FAN
student film competition
film screening
YET ONLY HERE I AM HOME
student film competition
short film program, film screening
TECH CHECK
student film competition
short film program, film screening
LET’S PLAY
student film competition
short film program, film screening
AARON BLAISE
painter, animator, character designer & director
film screening, Q&A
DERMOT POWER
concept artist
film screening, Q&A
IAIN McCAIG
concept artist, writer and filmmaker
film screening, Q&A
BEE GRANDINETTI
animation director, co-founder Panimation
film fest
NAWA SIRA VAN SLUIJS
host opening night
film fest, hosts and moderators
LAURA GOMMANS
host film industry day
film fest, hosts and moderators
ANIMATION PITCH
keep an eye on future projects
pitch
MEET THE JURY FOR THE ANIMATION PITCH
who will be selecting the best animation pitch winner?
pitch, film fest
MEET THE JURY FOR THE STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
who will be giving out the award for best student film?
short film program, award show
OPEN CALL: ANIMATION PITCH (CLOSED)
have a great idea for an animated film? show us!
pitch
(CLOSED) OPEN CALL: SAUCY SELECTION (CLOSED)
short film gems that blur the line between the erotic and the artistic, created by female and/or queer makers
short film program
(CLOSED) OPEN CALL: STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
Dutch based creators, this one's for you!
short film program