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05.10.2025

Gelderland’s Jop Leuven receives Golden Deer at Go Short Arnhem
Film plan by Pelle Nijburg wins Gelderland Film Pitch

On Sunday evening, 5 October, Focus Filmtheater in Arnhem was entirely dedicated to Gelderland’s film talent. Jop Leuven received the coveted Golden Deer for his short film Marleen, while Maaike Jaspers received a Special Mention for Waterpas. It was also announced that Pelle Nijburg had won the Gelderland Film Pitch with her film plan Een loop naar de maan. An evening in which the talent of Gelderland’s filmmakers truly shone.

Go Short Arnhem: stage for regional film talent

From 3 to 5 October, Go Short Arnhem was entirely dedicated to regional film talent. With the annual Gelderland Short Competition, the short film festival offers an important stage for filmmakers from Gelderland. During the three-day festival, the nominated films were screened on the big screen of Focus Filmtheater, after which the winners were announced on the final day. The professional jury consisted of Niekie Khaled, Eliane Esther Bots and Sebastian Mulder, winner of the Golden Deer in 2024.

GS Arnhem 2025 Awards [Emiel Janssen] LR 100
GS Arnhem 2025 Awards [Emiel Janssen] LR 102

Golden Deer goes to Marleen by Jop Leuven  

Marleen is an intimate drama about Lena, a young woman who reflects on three defining relationships in her life during group therapy. The film explores themes such as self-image, intimacy and the power of an open gaze. The jury describes Marleen as “A film that is innovative in approach, stylish and simple in form. But simplicity is a challenge, and it has been tackled brilliantly. It is a film that moves you in its small yet fundamental dramas. You are immediately gripped and touched, especially by the incredible acting. Small choices, such as the camera turning away during moments of drama, make the film a highly detailed little gem. It leaves you wanting more!”

Special Mention goes to Waterpas by Maaike Jaspers

Just missing out on the prizes, but in the jury’s view absolutely worth mentioning, is Waterpas by Maaike Jaspers from Nijmegen. “This is a remarkably idiosyncratic film, a combination of different techniques, silence, slowness and major events that never become dramatic. This creates a pleasant space for personal interpretation. We see enormous potential in the film, which develops in surprising ways. Moreover, the film addresses subjects that are regularly swept under the rug, in a way we have not often seen before. We experience a playful and at the same time mature exploration in filmmaking.”

GS Arnhem 2025 Awards [Emiel Janssen] LR 103
GS Arnhem 2025 Awards [Emiel Janssen] LR 101

Een loop naar de maan by Pelle Nijburg wins Gelderland Film Pitch

The pitch was organised by Go Short in collaboration with Gelders Archief and Beeld & Geluid. According to the pitch jury, consisting of Yves Eijck (Beeld & Geluid), Michel Rensen (Go Short) and Jos Mauro Witteveen Villagómez (winner of the Gelderland Film Pitch last year), Pelle Nijburg had the strongest film plan, and she therefore won the Gelderland Film Pitch. “In this project, form and content come together well,” the jury said. “Making a film entirely from archive material is a challenge, but the filmmaker’s curiosity about what the archive material gives back is stimulating. This project was presented most concretely, even though the outcome is not yet fixed. Going freewheeling towards an open ending demands something of the filmmaker, but the jury feels she can do it. She builds on previous experience and is very aware of the possibilities and pitfalls of such a project. The project has a strong connection to the present through contemporary protest movements, and the filmmaker tells the story by blending stillness and movement, supported by a rich soundscape.” Nijburg’s film will premiere at Go Short Arnhem 2026.

Go Short Arnhem is supported by the Municipality of Arnhem. 
The festival is co-sponsored by Focus Filmtheater, 
Rozet, Gelders DOEK and Oostpact.