STOP MOTION MAGIC

PLAYGROUNDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

1 hour | short film program, children’s program | age 5+

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Sat 22 March, 14.30 -15.30

Explore the captivating world of stop motion animation with classic Aardman short films. Enjoy a nostalgic screening for kids featuring timeless gems:

A Grand Day Out (23 min, Nick Park)
Ray’s Big Idea (3:20 min, Steve Harding Hill)
Creature Comforts (5 min, Nick Park).

After the screening, kids can unleash their creativity at our craft station and design their own characters.

Our special guest for the screening is Eindhoven-based stop-motion director Niels Hoebers. A graduate of the renowned Design Academy in Eindhoven, Niels has been running his own studio since 2010, creating animations that blur the line between reality and imagination. He’ll share the magic behind his creative process and reveal how smart, efficient techniques bring everyday objects to life.

Aardman, the legendary British studio from Bristol, is renowned for its innovative clay and stop-motion techniques that have given us iconic films and TV series like Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and storytelling!

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