These are the winners of the Dutch Short Film Pitch
In collaboration with Screen Talent NL, we were able to host the Dutch Short Film Pitch for the first time this year. Here, ten short film projects were given the opportunity to pitch their project to film professionals. The projects are all (co-)produced in the Netherlands. Five were already in production, the other five were in development. The four winning makers have been awarded great cash prizes and/or coaching on their project.
During Go Short, nine short film projects from the Netherlands were pitched to an audience of film professionals: five short films in development and four short films in progress. After the pitch, 1-on-1 meetings were organized where the selected makers entered into discussions with key industry players, such as short film programmers and distributors.
So the films fell into two different categories: the films in development and the films in progress. Two prizes were awarded in both categories. The two best pitches received an amount of €4,000, including a portion to be spent freely and a portion for the hiring of coaches. These awards are made available by Screen Talent NL. The most promising film in development received access, two accreditations and a coaching session at Cannes Film Festival. The most promising film in production received a coaching session from CineSud.
Curious about the full selection? That can be found here.
The winners
The winners were chosen by the jury, consisting of Jonelle Twum, Nadine Jansen and Niels Putman. you will find the winners, including jury statements.
Films in development
Winner of access, two accreditations and a coaching session at Cannes Film Festival: TOLK by Dahania Canelo
“This project addresses a very urgent topic that is present worldwide, but is not discussed enough and even less portrayed in films. The film shows empathy for its main character and invites us through these eyes to ultimately be confronted with the very serious core of the story. An original story that comes from the heart, with a very clear voice that could really benefit from a coaching session. We wish this future filmmaker the best of luck on her journey.”
Best Pitch Prize (€4,000): in the heart is a stone from Naomi Pacifique
“This project brings a unique, refreshing and relevant approach to the subject. A film that has the potential to broaden our limited viewpoint and create a new sensory world, allowing audiences to broaden their perspective and further explore the relationship between humans and nature. The jury has complete confidence in this filmmaker.”
Films in progress
Winner of the Cinesud coaching session: De jaren waarin ik niet film by Froukje van Wengerden.
“The recognizable and universal story at the heart of this film is told from a very poignant perspective. The filmmaker has made creative choices that will allow them to tell this recognizable story from a new and original point of view. We see a lot of potential in this filmmaker and the collected material, but we also recognize that the definitive form in which the project will be at its best is still being sought.”
Best Pitch Prize (€4,000): EVERY CHILD COSTS THE MOTHER ONE TOOTH by Désirée Pfenniger
“We decided to award this to a filmmaker with an original approach to a layered film. The filmmaker’s intention is very clear, well thought out with a strong artistic point of view, inviting viewers to get closer to a story about intimacy, violence and intergenerational trauma. The film is about human contact, and more than that, it leaves us longing, with many questions.”
This first edition of the Dutch Short Film Pitch served as a great springboard for ambitious filmmakers. The exceptional quality of the projects pitched and the dedication of the filmmakers promise great things for the future. We are grateful for the collaboration with Screen Talent NL and CineSud and our congratulations go out to all winners and participants. We look forward to the further development of their projects!