At the industry program of Go Short #16, filmmakers from around the world came together to talk about short films and where the film industry is headed. They joined important talks about topics like how to navigate on the festival, how to be short & powerful in your short movie and about social experiments in movies with filmmaker in focus Pilvi Takala. But the main focus was on working together and using short films to bring people closer and make them feel better.
At Go Short, we are all about bringing together filmmakers and film enthusiasts to create a vibrant community. The first day’s events set the tone for an exciting and enriching experience over the following few days of the festival, and we are thrilled to see and have a part in the connections that start to form from the very beginning!
Rain and Shine
Starting off with the Nijmegen City Walk was a fantastic chance for filmmakers and our wonderful Homestay hosts to embark on an adventure together, guided by Jozien Wijkhuis. Exploring the lively culture of Nijmegen uncovering hidden treasures, and, most importantly, forging connections with one another. The walk began under a gentle sun, but soon after our first stop, the rain decided to join us. However, this didn’t dampen our spirits. Instead, it provided the perfect opportunity for us to bond. We even witnessed filmmakers and hosts huddling together under umbrellas, embracing the moment with laughter.
The walk began the festival, bringing people together and helping them make friendships. Later that evening, the first of the two Filmmakers Dinners gave filmmakers in the competition a chance to chat, talk about the latest trends in short films, and most importantly, have fun getting to know each other.
Reflecting on the second day of the industry program at Go Short, the first talk kicked off with enthusiasm with the talk: How to Festival, held in a packed Joris Ivenszaal. The audience was a mix of producers, screenwriters, and cameramen, many of whom were attending the festival for the first time. A map and a quick overview of the film program were presented, and networking tips flowed! Filmmakers Kurt Platvoet and Stavros Markoulakis shared their experiences and advice about networking. Kurt feels at home at Go Short, and Stavros has been following the festival for years.
In the afternoon, it was time to join our filmmaker in focus: Pilvi Takala. She began by recounting the background story of “The Stroker.” Pilvi was hired by Second Home, a co-working space in London, to conduct a social experiment. One of the owners wanted to host performance art at Second Home, hoping to inspire the co-workers. Ironically, Pilvi herself felt discomfort in the co-working space. This was Pilvi’s first project collaborating with a professional crew, including a cameraman and an editor. The audience listened in wonder to Pilvi’s tales and shared laughter with her.
As the evening approached. Everyone gathered at the industry drinks to relax. Simultaneously, the second Filmmakers Dinner welcomed newcomers to the festival. With delicious food and engaging conversations, it was a memorable evening for all attendees. The night wrapped up with the first party with live music at Café Dollars! The live band, the Go Shotjes, and filmmakers created a lively atmosphere.
Short and Powerful
The industry program found its peak during Friday and Saturday.
Friday morning, we kicked off with breakfast meetings—a delightful networking opportunity like a romantic rendezvous. Filmmakers and industry professionals mingled in an easygoing atmosphere, croissant in one hand, coffee in the other. Following breakfast came the highlight: presentations! To be precise, the presentation of pitches from ten short film projects from the Netherlands, each brimming with inspiration and personal touch.
In the evening, the awards were presented, culminating in congratulations for Dahania Candelo, Naomi Pacifique, Froukje van Wengerden, and Désirée Pfenninger for their well-deserved victory in the Dutch Short Film Pitch. Simultaneously, actress and initiator of KLEUR Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld and filmmaker Shariff Nasr discussed what it takes to establish a more ethnically diverse film cast.
As the day progressed, film enthusiasts engaged in lively conversations during the roundtable talks where professionals had the chance to get inspired and explore currently important and impactful themes such future audiences, speaking of color, found footage, neurodivergence and film, and advancing talent. At the same time: the talk Short & Powerful provided an inspiring insight into the creation of short films, focusing on maximizing the potential of the medium and crafting a creative and layered film with a strong narrative. The panel, consisting of Aderinsola Ajao, Shariff Nasr, Stefanie Kolk, and Benjamin Sprengers, shared valuable advice for filmmakers who are hesitant about making a short film instead of a feature.
The evening provided a chance for most of us to unwind, except for the participants of the Dutch Short Film Pitch. At De Kortefilmborrel, the winners of the awards were announced. A moment where everyone could catch their breath was during the party at Merleyn. It had been a day filled to the brim with inspiration, networking, and, most importantly, coming together to celebrate our shared passion for short film.
From Talks to Tunes
Saturday at Go Short focused on fostering connections and honoring the creativity and diversity of short films. The day began with the Dutch Short Film Preview, where both seasoned and emerging Dutch filmmakers presented their recent projects to a curated audience of festival programmers, distributors, and buyers. Concurrently, writers and composers had opportunities to engage with producers and directors through one-on-one sessions and speed-dating events.
In the afternoon, during the talk: Finding Your Rhythm, filmmaker Laura Heinig and composer Thomas Jaspers share their experiences of their collaboration during a week-long residency, where they worked together on a short film. Moderated by Jip Branten, they reveal how the collaboration between director and composer went and how they complemented each other, despite not knowing each other previously. Normally, Thomas creates music for films after they are already completed, but this time it was a mutual musical progress where the musician and filmmaker shared their areas of interest. The residency began on Monday with the assignment to experiment with their creative ideas within a week. Laura and Thomas worked around the theme of water, which served as a common point. During the process, they discovered new perspectives and worked experimentally with the sound of water and human interaction. The material they created will be presented at a festival at Stroom on June 5, before they will both take time to reflect and rest. After the talk, Thomas demonstrated his drumming skills in the Marienburgkapel.
The evening united industry members once again for drinks, providing an opportunity for relaxed conversation, albeit perhaps tinged with nerves, as the Award Ceremony followed closely after. You can read about the winners here. During the Awards, winners and special mentions from all competitions were announced, allowing filmmakers and professionals to cheer and celebrate themselves, their newfound friendships, and, of course, the films! The festivities persisted with the Silent Disco Party, where attendees danced the night away to the tunes of New Rootz, DJ Matz, Sono’scene, and our very own Go Shorties.
Pancakes and Found Footage
As the sun illuminated the final day of Go Short’s industry program, attendees gathered for a farewell brunch at The Mariënburgchapel. Amidst Dutch pancakes and beverages, guests reminisced about the week filled with film screenings, industry engagements, and social gatherings. For many, it marked a bittersweet moment of farewells to newfound connections and seasoned short film lovers, while others eagerly anticipated future reunions. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained vibrant as everyone celebrated the remarkable shorts viewed over the past few days.
Following the brunch, participants settled into the Joris Ivenszaal for insights into footage and archival material at the Gelderland Film Meeting. Filmmaker Wieke Kapteijns delved into archival research techniques and explored the possibilities offered by beeldengeluid.nl. Zuza Banasińka, recipient of one of Saturdays awards, then shared insights into their filmmaking journey and the creation process behind “Grandmamauntsistercat,” captivating the audience with their experiences.
Go Short brought together a diverse community of filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts from all around the world. It has been a celebration of short films, creativity, and storytelling in all its forms. From the Future of Short Film roundtable talks, through workshops and masterclasses, one-to-one meetings and speeddates, to session such as the pitches, the festival provided a platform for established and upcoming filmmakers to showcase their work and learn and delve into important themes concerning the short film industry.
The industry program facilitated networking and collaboration between filmmakers and industry professionals. And of course, the festival screened an incredible selection of short films, ranging from experimental and avant-garde works to more traditional narrative films, showcasing the breadth and diversity of short film as an art form!
By offering a platform for short films and important topics to be discussed and appreciated, Go Short contributes to the industry’s growth and innovation, encourage creative exploration and so adapt to the ever-changing landscape.
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