30.10.2025
The shortest day of the year, with the finest homegrown films for every film lover
On 21 December, the shortest day of the year, cinemas across the Netherlands celebrate Short Film Day. Short film is bold, versatile, and has something to offer everyone. It’s also the medium where emerging film talent takes its first steps. Yet short films often get little time on the big screen. That’s why Eye Filmmuseum, the Dutch Film Festival, and Go Short are once again bringing the best Dutch short films to cinemas nationwide. Alongside the main program, there’s a special children’s selection for ages four and up, featuring the most delightful short animations from across Europe. The films can be seen in 24 cinemas and online via Picl.
The 2025 program is packed with award winners, fresh talent, and stories that move you, surprise you, and stay with you long after the credits roll. Highlights include Close Your Eyes Hind by Amir Zaza, winner of the Golden Calf for Best Short Film at the Netherlands Film Festival, and Sign and See the World by Safi Graauw, an emotional short documentary that won both the Audience Award and the Youth Award at this year’s Go Short. The children’s program, Animal Tales!, is all about quirky creatures and unexpected friendships. A fun and imaginative experience for the whole family.
PROGRAM (87 minutes, English subtitles)
The main program shows just how diverse short film can be, from animation and documentary to dance and drama. Six powerful stories by Dutch filmmakers: emotional, imaginative, and at times raw.
Wad is, is nu – Jikke Lesterhuis (2025, 2 min)
On a sandbank in the Wadden Sea lies a remarkable roadside restaurant. Not for people, but for birds. A light-hearted animation that captures the beauty and fragility of nature in under two minutes.
Summer Souvenir – Louka Hoogendijk (2025, 19 min)
Katja is enjoying a carefree surf holiday with her friends until a paragliding trip takes an unexpected turn. A sensitive coming-of-age story about freedom, friendship, and the bittersweet taste of a summer that changes everything.
Draw and See the World – Safi Graauw (2025, 11 min)
Three young Surinamese men travelled to the Netherlands during World War II to help liberate the country. This short documentary gives their forgotten story a face, and won both the Audience Award and Youth Award at Go Short this year.
Mr. Sun & Miss Universe – Souffien Melad (2025, 7 min)
When superstar Mr. Sun notices his golden locks starting to fall out, he embarks on a cosmic journey of self-acceptance. A poetic and imaginative animation about vanity, vulnerability, and finding peace. Created as a graduation film at the Willem de Kooning Academy.
Paulien – Yücel Kopal (2025, 7 min)
Superfan Paulien wants to get closer to her idol, a popular singer with an even bigger ego. A funny yet awkward portrait featuring Isa Hoes and René le Blanc in shining roles.
Reins – Harmen van Liemt & Tatjana Almuli (2025, 9 min)
Five dancers embody the inner world of young male cancer patients. A moving multidisciplinary film that reveals the fragile space between illness and recovery, where words often fall short.
Close Your Eyes Hind – Amir Zaza (2025, 32 min)
After an attack in Gaza, six-year-old Hind and her cousin are left behind in a destroyed car. Surrounded by tanks, they struggle to survive while rescue teams wait for military clearance. Winner of the Golden Calf for Best Short Film at the Netherlands Film Festival.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM (35 minutes, no dialogue)
In Beestenboel!, everything revolves around quirky creatures, strange animals, and unexpected friendships. A colorful collection of short European animations for kids aged four and up.
Hidden Talent – Miran Miošić (Croatia, 2013, 6 min)
In Cat Town lives Bjelobrk, a cheerful little cat who loves to sing. Though not exactly in tune. While his family and teacher try to dissuade him, Bjelobrk discovers that real talent isn’t about perfection, but about daring to do what you love.
Weasel – Timon Leder (Slovenia, 2016, 12 min)
A hungry weasel tries to catch a flock of birds living in a tall tree. When the tree begins to topple, panic breaks out. But what first seems like a disaster leads to something unexpectedly beautiful.
O Cágado – Luís da Matta Almeida & Pedro Lino (Portugal/UK, 2012, 10 min)
A curious man believes he knows everything, until he encounters a turtle. His fascination turns into a whimsical adventure full of wonder, imagination, and humor.
Cat Lake City – Antje Heyn (Germany, 2019, 7 min)
Percy the cat is ready for a relaxing holiday at Cat Lake City, but things turn out differently. Even his towel isn’t safe! A playful, relatable story about expectations versus reality.
Find the full program, screening times, and tickets via your local cinema or at www.dagvandekortefilm.nl