Ollie Launspach wins Golden Deer

11.10.2026

Ollie Launspach receives Golden Deer at Go Short Arnhem

Special Mention to First Row by Pelle Nijburg

From remarkable short films to promising film plans, Gelderland’s film talent was firmly in the spotlight at Go Short Arnhem this weekend. On 11 October, the awards for the Gelderland Short Competition and the Gelderland Film Pitch were presented at Focus Filmtheater in Arnhem. The Golden Deer for Best Gelderland Film went to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by Ollie Launspach. First Row by Pelle Nijburg received a Special Mention. Two filmmakers were also honoured for their promising film plans.

Go Short Arnhem brings audiences and film professionals together around short films, and gives Gelderland filmmakers the space to present their work, develop new plans and expand their network. With the Gelderland Short Competition and the Gelderland Film Pitch, Go Short supports filmmakers at different stages of their development. From films that are ready to be seen, to ideas that have yet to come to life.

Golden Deer goes to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by Ollie Lanspach

The jury praises the film for its combination of intimacy, playfulness and emotion. “A film that is both dynamic and tender, personal and universal, playful and moving. It is a joy to watch such intimate moments through a light-hearted and witty lens. The film leaves plenty of room for adventure and surprise, while the filmmaker’s creative control remains palpable throughout. A film that works from beginning to end.”

Special Mention goes to First Row by Pelle Nijburg

“A remarkable film that uses found footage in a unique and new way. Through an oppressive frame and immersive sound design, the viewer moves between present and past, a seemingly simple idea with a great effect where form and content come together. We are super curious to see how this filmmaker will develop in the future.”

A quick note: “beklemmend kader” could also be rendered as “claustrophobic frame” if you want to lean into the feeling of confinement rather than oppression. Both work, so it depends on the tone you prefer.

Maira Rachmadiev wins €3,000 with her pitch

The jury was enthusiastic about the way she presented her film plan: “Your enthusiasm and joy as a maker shone through. The style and aesthetic were very clear and full of colourful and idiosyncratic details in a daring comedic genre. The film revolves around a relatable situation, even though none of us has experienced it.”

**The Gelderland Film Pitch coaching goes to De Extremisten by Martijn Holtslag**

Martijn Holtslag stood out for the energy with which he presented his plans. The jury appreciated his ambitious ideas: “We think it’s great that you want to shoot the film in the Achterhoek, in Gelderland. You’re full of ideas, and you convey them well. An urgent theme, and very ambitious. Perhaps even a little too ambitious for a short film. We’d like to offer you coaching to streamline all the ideas a bit more.”

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

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