We have gotten to know the Youth Film Festival Antwerp over the years and believe me, we love seeing this festival happen here in Antwerp.
Thanks to the festival, we can once again indulge and immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of youth and children's film during the entire spring break. How wonderful is it to be completely carried away on a cold afternoon or evening by an imaginative story, an exciting battle, a pressing theme, or a film with a fresh, open mind?
Watching the big screen all together is in itself a blissful and connecting experience. Especially in these strange times where we, all too often alone, stare at uncurated bulk on small screens. Youth Film Festival Antwerp is a breath of fresh air and helps feed our youth quality content and train their indispensable critical eye. The festival’s programme is carefully curated with love and care, so parents can confidently send their kids here. As the mother of young teenagers, I know just how important that is. In turn, as the partner of a film director, I know how much love, care and hard work goes into making a film, so it's also a fantastic compliment from the creators' side to be on the poster for this festival.
At the festival, the experience takes centre stage: there is live music, playful things happen, young people even create their own world here, make their own games, their own films and learn to act. In fact, they shape the entire festival. Children and young people are in charge.
As a city, we are happy and proud to be a partner of this event that brings together imagination and culture. We are proud that we can offer an initiative such as Youth Film Festival Antwerp all the support necessary. The visitor numbers have increased by 100% in recent years and rightfully so.
Antwerp breathes creativity, and thanks to collaborative and inclusive initiatives such as this festival, our city is becoming even more of a breeding ground for young talent and artistic expression. And let's face it, it's actually just as fun for us parents to watch another great youth film and step back into the childlike fantasy world for a while.
In recent years, thanks to the Youth Film Festival Antwerp, I have seen toddler’s eyes twinkle at the discovery of creative short films and I have seen tough teen hearts melt at a beautiful love story. Fascinating, thought-provoking, socially relevant? Certainly—but above all, fun.
I wish all viewers, both young and old, a festival to remember. Enjoy.
Lien Van de Kelder, Alderwoman for Culture, Work, Equal Opportunity and International Solidarity.
Awards & juries
Awards
During Youth Film Festival Antwerp, there are various competitions, awards and juries.
Best film – international jury
→ Cash prize of €2.500 (offered by TENTOO) for the director to support a new project.
→ Will be eligible for the ECFA award for best feature film of the year. This prize will be awarded at the Berlin International Film Festival.
→ Nomination for the Felix Vanginderhuysen distribution award
→ Festival award
Best film – children’s jury
→ Festival award
→ Nomination for the Felix Vanginderhuysen distribution award
Best short film – international jury
→ Cash prize of €1.250 (offered by JEF) for the director to support a new project.
→ Festival award
Best short film – children’s jury
→ Festival award
Best short film – film in hospital jury
→ Festival award
Best short documentary – international jury
→ Cash prize of €500 (offered by JEF) for the director to support a new project.
→ Festival award
Best short documentary – children’s jury
→ Festival award
Medialab award – children’s jury
→ Festival award
Audience award
→ Festival award
→ Nomination for the Felix Vanginderhuysen distribution award
International jury
The international jury hands out three awards: best film, best short film and best short documentary.
Calliope
Charalambous
Krief
Calliope Charalambous Krief founded the Athens International Children's Film Festival in 2018 and has been the festival director ever since. She has worked as a producer and director for theater and television. She has also produced large scale televised music shows for the youth. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Humanities from the University of Athens and a Master's Degree in Theater from King's College London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Hidde de Vries
Hidde de Vries grew up in the north of the Netherlands and began volunteering at a local cinema at the age of eight. He later studied Production at the Netherlands Film Academy. In 2020, he completed a Master’s in Creative Producing at the DAS Graduate School. After several years of producing, he shifted his focus ensuring that films are seen, with a strong preference for talent development. He does this at Kapitein Kort, his distribution company for short films, at Cinekid Festival as head of the Films & Series department, and as a board member of the Association of Small Cinemas (VVF), which he founded in 2021.
Christophe Verbiest
Christophe Verbiest studied film directing at RITCS, where he directed the short film Een Maaltijd in 1992. However, during his studies, he became enamored with journalism. Since 1993, he has been working at VRT; first at Radio 1 and, since 2008, at Klara. He is currently an editor for Espresso and a music curator for Zanzibar. He has been writing for De Morgen since 1990, and from 2003 onward, as a film critic. He has written about film for Cinemagie, Flanders Today, The Bulletin, Filmmagie, Vertigo
and Humbug. All these magazines have ceased to exist, but he claims he had nothing to do with that. He is a proud member of the film quiz team MacGuffins and occasionally organizes a film quiz in his free time.
Lauranne Van den Heede
Lauranne Van den Heede (BE, 1995) is a documentary director and impact producer. In her work, she is strongly drawn to socially engaged themes that evoke strong emotions in her. She translates these in a poetic and humane way. In 2019, a year after graduating from RITCS, she made two short documentaries. Both A Reasonable Life and Radio Felix were shown on VRT and selected for several festivals such as IDFA, CICFF, Pariscience, Cinekid, Docville, IKL, and others. Last year, her most recent short film Fallen and Standing premiered at Docville. Since 2021, she has also been working as an impact producer, first at Clin d'œil films and currently at Filmpact. She contributed to the impact campaigns for Draw for Change!, Young Plato, and others. She is currently working on the campaigns for The Last Jewish Summer and Les Dames Blanches.
Children’s jury
The children's jury in Antwerp hands out four awards: best film, best short film, best short documentary and the Medialab award.
Astor
I’m really glad to be part of the children’s jury, because my brother and sister have also done it before and they told me it was really fun. I’ve been coming to Youth Film Festival Antwerp for a really long time, even since I was a little baby. We always had lollywaffles and I got my first film diploma there. It’s hard to pick my favourite film, because I have a lot of them. I enjoyed Ponyo. And My dad is a sausage was really funny. One day, I would like to lend my voice for an animation film.
Manoe
My name is Manoe, I’m 12 years old, from Ostend! I like sharing my opinion and I love stories. I’ve been a member of the reading jury for years. I’ve also been a judge at the Krikrak family festival. All that culture expands my horizons. I’m really glad to have the chance to judge films and more during the Youth Film Festival Antwerp. I really love watching films. Right now, Young Hearts is my favourite film. I can’t wait to have fun with JEF and the many activities at the Youth Film Festival Antwerp during carnaval break. See you there!
Cleo
I’m Cleo, I’m 12 years old. I love meeting up with my friends and crafting things. I’m really happy to be a member of the children's jury, I’m super excited! One of my favourite films is Top Gun Maverick, I have some others, but I’m never good at picking one.
Rik
The film festival is a really fun week for me, because I love watching films, but also gaming. I visited the Medialab with my school last year and it was really cool. My favourite film is Forrest Gump. It’s not really a children’s film but I really enjoy it because he tells his exciting life story as if nothing special happened.
I’m really looking forward to being on the jury and giving my opinion on the films.
Dries
Yay, I’m on the children’s jury! I’m so happy!
My first introduction to film was The Incredibles, later on I discovered the Youth Film Festival.
Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, meeting filmmakers and asking questions is always super interesting. Flow, I really love cats. I enjoy how all the animals work together, made in a blender with all kinds of sounds, so that you know what it is right from the beginning.
The XL-Medialab is really a playground of dreams, VR worlds are so wellmade and cool. Creating games in the Gamejam workshop was top-notch last time!
I can’t wait for carnaval break, Youth Film Festival Antwerp, where are you!!
Nina
After school, I like doing my hobbies such as dancing and music. And on the weekends I watch films with my parents and sister. One of my favourite films is Ghostbusters, because I love fantasy and there are so many ghosts in it. It’s an exciting story and a really original film. Being on the children’s jury seems really fun, because I love watching both feature films and short films. I want to help pick the best films and discover what it’s like to be on a jury, because I’ve never done that before. I’m really curious about this experience.
Elise
I’m Elise and I’m super excited to be on the children’s jury! I love films a lot, especially films from Studio Ghibli. I also love science fiction (like Doctor Who) and romantic films. I really love films and it’s really hard to pick one favourite film… I also love music a lot—I’m taking singing lessons and would like to set up a band one day— and so I'll definitely be paying attention to the film soundtracks too.
I love how films can sway you away on an adventure without you really being in danger. I’m curious about which films we’ll be getting to watch and I can’t wait for the festival to begin!
Audience jury
The audience jury in Antwerp decides which nominated feature film in competition will receive an award. The audience can vote after each film screening.
Film in hospital jury
Through the online Film in hospital platform, children with reduced mobility can watch all short films in competition, and then vote for their favourite. The winning short film will receive a Youth Film Festival Antwerp award, which the children will present during the closing ceremony via a video.
Ambassadors
Our amazing festival ambassadors this year are DJ, television creator and actor Hakim Chatar and television creator Cath Luyten.
Hakim Chatar
Hakim Chatar is a creative powerhouse. As a DJ, he has ignited stages at major festivals and hosted several shows on national radio stations. But his talents don’t stop there—he’s also a visionary television creator, a charismatic actor, a celebrated cookbook author, and the driving force behind a production house, as well as a booking and management agency that champions young talent.
“The first moviesyou see, shape your world view and stimulate your imagination.Plus,watching themtogether makes that experience even more powerful. You share emotions and talk about whatyou've seen. Nothing beats that shared sense of wonder...”
Cath Luyten
Cath Luyten has been creating television for VRT, production company deMensen and Play4 for the past twenty years. You might know her as a travelreporter from Vlaanderen Vakantieland, her portrait series Buurman, wat doet u nu?, or as a talkshow host in Vandaag over een jaar, Cath & Gasten and Cafe Congé. As a genuinely curious interviewer, she always brings out the best in her guests.
“Just wonderful to be an ambassador for Youth Film FestivalAntwerp! Filmstrigger so much inyoung minds. Great to see whattheypick up and act on afterwards. It's a special intimate moment with the kids, which Ienjoy as much as they do. It'simpossible to start too soon.”
Guests
During the festival, several guests will introduce the films or participate in post-screening talks. The presence of these guests has been officially confirmed: Roots & Shoots vzw, Claude Barras, Anna-Marie Missoul, Mona Van den Eeden, Kaspar Schellingerhout, Jos Dom, Finn Van Dijck, Lize Cuveele, Barbara Dyck, Eloise, Aïsha Adepoju, Nina Payrhuber, Garvey, Stag, Bas, Silke De Vos, Ellen Vanhove, Boris, Jan, Jelske Antonissen, Lotsje de Ridder, Hasse Debelder, Ezra Verbist, Rosa Duvekot, Jools, Yorrith, Martijn Blekendaal, Mohammed Kassab, Yemi Oduwale, Lotte Jonker, Els Dottermans, Andrew Van Ostade, Dempsey Hendrickx, Toon Smet, Miwako Van Weyenberg, Sofia Zaifri, Margaux Cauliez, Kim Faber, Lotte, Idriss Nsangou Nabil, the festival ambassadors and many more. Check out jeugdfilmfestivalantwerpen.be for up-to-date information.
Savages
Roots & Shoots vzw
Claude Barras: director (CH)
Anna-Marie Missoul: voice actor (BE)
Mona Van den Eeden: voice actor (BE)
Kaspar Schellingerhout: voice actor (BE)
Jos Dom: voice actor (BE)
Finn Van Dijck: voice actor(BE)
Ket & Doc 2025: Eloise's summer
Lize Cuveele: director (BE)
Barbara Dyck: producer (BE)
Eloise: main character (BE)
Ket & Doc 2025: Wheelie boys
Aïsha Adepoju: director (BE)
Nina Payrhuber: producer (BE)
Garvey: main character (BE)
Stag: main character (BE)
Bas: main character (BE)
Ket & Doc 2025: Brainbeats
Silke De Vos: director (BE)
Ellen Vanhove: producer (BE)
Boris: main character (BE)
Jan: main character (BE)
Ket & Doc 2025: Dry sheets
Jelske Antonissen: director (BE)
Lotsje de Ridder: producer (BE)
Hasse Debelder: producer (BE)
Ket & Doc 2025: Just Jools
Ezra Verbist: director (BE)
Rosa Duvekot: producer (BE)
Jools: main character (BE)
Yorrith: main character (BE)
The invisible ones
Martijn Blekendaal: director (NL)
Mohammed Kassab: actor (PS/BE)
Benjamin Bat
Yemi Oduwale: voice actor (BE)
Lampie
Lotte Jonker: actress (NL)
Els Dottermans: actress (BE)
Living large
Andrew van Ostade: voice actor (BE)
Animal friends
Dempsey Hendrickx: voice actor (BE)
Film concert
The bear and the bird
Toon Smet: pianist (BE)
Soft leaves
Miwako Van Weyenberg: director (BE)
Ruby rules
Sofia Zaifri: actress (BE)
Margaux Cauliez: actress (BE)
Moustache
Idriss Nsangou Nabil: director (NL)
Real go-getters: Summer of dreams
Kim Faber: director (NL)
Lotte: main character (NL)
Specials
Opening film and reception
Awards ceremony
During the festive awards ceremony, you will discover who the big winners of Youth Film Festival Antwerp 2025 are! The international jury and the children’s jury will present their awards. The Film in hospital jury will award a best short film as well. After the screening of the winning short films it’s time for a treat in the festival café and in the XL-Medialab.
The opening film of Youth Film Festival Antwerp is Savages (→ p. 24). Meet the Flemish voice cast and the festival ambassadors on the red carpet or during the festive reception.
Young, diverse filmmakers from around the world come together to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, with a focus on short, vertical content in 9:16 format. Visitors will take part in inspiring workshops, lectures and master classes free of charge. Led by prominent figures from the Belgian film world, they will learn more about the latest trends in vertical storytelling and the influence of social media on modern cinema.
In collaboration with WAJOW vzw.
Toddler cinema
At the Zuiderpershuis in Antwerp, you can find a toddler cinema with cosy cushions, adapted sound and lighting, relaxed atmosphere and a digital playground tailored to the needs of the little ones. The perfect first cinema experience for toddlers (1,5+).
Het Bos and Youth Film Festival Antwerp present Out of Frame: a unique program, with films that embody an intense experience. Moving, confronting, confusing or enlightening. Cinema is all these things. This selection comes to life outside the traditional cinema setting, challenging you to look in a different way. And those who love film primarily for its snacks will also be delighted.
At the Zuiderpershuis in Antwerp, you'll find our kid-friendly festival café where you can eat and drink at an affordable price, and your kids will play to their heart's content in a spacious play area.
Festival trail Zuidpark
The Zuidpark (between the festival center in the Zuiderpershuis and Cinema Lumière) transforms into a veritable star trail full of fun activities.
Ket & Doc
Every year, VAF, Ketnet and JEF support the production of five documentaries for children. You will see them for the first time at Youth Film Festival Antwerp!
→ More info on p. 27
Extra
activity
A new
friend
for Tummy Tom
A fun reader will tell your favorite Tummy Tom stories.
Extra activity Donald Duck
Will you become the best Donald Duck? In honour of his 90th birthday, we transform everyone in the room into Donald Duck.
Extra activity
Film concert The bear and the bird
With beautiful piano music, live in the movie theater.
Extra activity
Animal friends
Voice actors bring the Dutch dubbing live!
Extra activity
Hanna and the monsters
With a cuddly film comes your favourite cuddly toy! Bring it along and make it extra cosy!
Extra activity
Wow! Message from outer space
Before the film, we play a cheerful space quiz in the movie theater.
Extra activity
Hola Frida!
We take inspiration from the young Frida and draw a Frida Kahlo self-portrait after the film.
Extra activity
Our summer of freedom
Viewing marathon tailored to children, with an intermission and snacks!
Extra activity The invisible ones
Fun interactive screening. Will you come and discover where the invisible one is hiding?
Extra activity Samia
Will you also break a running record today? We are holding a mini running competition for charity.
Films
Films 1,5+
CHECK
jeugdfilmfestivalantwerpen.be
→ for dates, hours and locations
→ for updates on guests, specials and programme changes
→ for trailers and a synopsis
→ for all the prizes the nominated films and games can win
Tiny Tunes Muzikale mini’s
1,5+
COMPILATION
Engage your toddler in happy tunes and colorful adventures in this musical short film compilation! With dancing animals and playful rhythms, they spark the imagination.
To the rhythm of the music, your toddler watches a single-celled organism transform into a host of creatures. They learn about friendship along with a squid and cheer when a little girl finally looks up from her screen!
→ Different directors / Different countries / 22’ / 2023-2024
→ No dialogue
The one for me
De enige echte
To the rhythm of music and life, a single-celled organism transforms from one creature to another.
→ Akane Nakamoto / Japan / 2’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Fuka Katayama (Tama Art University)
Zizanizzz
A fly that loves music can't resist sitting on a sheet of music, but a hungry spider has spotted that.
→ Nicolas Bianco-Levrin / France / 1’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Nicolas Bianco-Levrin (Prototypes Productions)
Claw's
worm hunt
A kitty can't sleep because of all the worms around him… So let's go for a hunt!
→ Katrin Novakovic / Croatia / 3’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Katrin Novakovic
Harmony Harmonie
Lully is a musical chimera who discovers that his music colors the world.
→ Sarah Blaya, Nicolas Bunet, Amélie Gallego, Anouk Martin, Shana Paquet, Roxane Plays, Kimberley Soter & India Taburet / France / 5’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Jessica Bellotto (ESMA)
Clawlolo
A squid wants to listen to his new record on his own. Doesn't he know that music is meant to be enjoyed together?
→ Alexey Alexeev / Cyprus / 3’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Natalia Zakharova (Rymanco Films)
The Girl with the occupied eyes
A menina com os olhos ocupados Het meisje met de onbereikbare blik
A little girl has eyes only for her phone. What will it take to get her attention so she can play with others?
→ André Carrilho / Portugal / 8’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger (Bear With Me Distribution)
Little adventures Kleine avonturen
Moon mole Maanmol
COMPILATION
An adventure doesn't have to be big. Sometimes a search for a lost shoe is all it takes to create a surprising story! In this collection of short films, wonder waits around every corner. Be taken on a journey of discovery full of colorful animation and mischievous characters.
The wind is playing with the clothesline, a cloud meets a plane, a shoe is lost, a mole discovers the world and three naughty children are hungry for pancakes. Talk about a merry gang!
→ Different directors / Different countries / 20’ / 2021-2024
→ No dialogue 1,5+
Befriend
the wind Vrienden met de wind Things that seem annoying can actually be very special, and even helpful! Like the wind...
→ Aneta Paulíny / Czech Republic / 3’ / 2021
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Lukáš Gregor
Fly by Průlet
Vlieg maar voorbij
A cloud and an airplane meet in the sky. What could go wrong?
→ Filip Dobeš / Czech Republic / 3’ / 2022
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Lukáš Gregor
Cacophony Cacophonie Kakofonie
A blackbird tries to impress a female with his singing. Can it overcome the noise of construction work nearby?
→ Vincent Coudroy de Lille / France / 3’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Catherine Totems (Emile Cohl school)
A curious mole climbs to the surface. He embarks on an exploration of the big world above ground.
→ Highschool Students Coordinated by Laura Gonçalves, Alexandra Ramires (Xá), Leonor Pacheco & Dimitri Mihajlovic / Portugal / 2’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Joaquim Pedro Pinheiro (AGENCIAPortuguese Short Film Agency)
Mojappi - It's mine!
Van mij!
Three naughty children have a taste for their forest friends' pancakes. They will do anything to have a taste.
→ Nijitaro / Japan / 3’ / 2022
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Taro Totsuka
Shuffle Schoenmaten
The hunt for a lost tap shoe turns an apartment building on its head!
→ Quita Felix / The Netherlands / 6’ / 2022
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Quita Felix
A new friend for Tummy Tom Een nieuwe
vriend voor Dikkie Dik
EARCATCH
SUBCATCH
Who doesn't love Tummy Tom? The second feature film about the beloved red cat is a delightful winter adventure about friendship and first impressions. All the charm of Jet Boeke's famous children's books, adapted to the big screen for the youngest. Funny, cute and told by none other than Jan Decleir!
Tummy Tom and Cat Mouse get a new neighbor: the rowdy dog Woof. The cats don't like that. Does that lout really have to be so boisterous? Or... is he just enthusiastic? Maybe they will actually become best friends?
→ Joost van den Bosch & Erik Verkerk / The Netherlands / 62’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Pascale Devreese (KFD)
3+
Donald Duck
COMPILATION
What famous duck is always arguing with the two mischievous squirrels Chip and Dale? That has to be Donald Duck! That hot-footed bird turns ninety this year. To celebrate, we are showing three short films from the 1950s, full of hilarious slapstick. A unique screening on 35mm, where you can hear the projector rattling like the old days…
Chip and Dale always get Donald Duck mad... Whether they're ruining his gardening plans or turning his model village upside down: laughs are guaranteed.
→ Jack Hannah / United States / 20’ / 1949-1951
→ No dialogue
→ In collaboration with CINEMATEK
Out on a limb
Boomdokter Donald
Donald Duck wants to prune a tree, but Chip and Dale won't let that happen. After all, it's theirhome!
→ Jack Hannah / United States / 7’ / 1950
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Isabelle Minnebo (Disney)
Out of scale
Niet op schaal
Donald Duck has built a miniature town in his backyard, complete with houses, trees and a track for his model train. Chip and Dale sure do find that
intriguing, such a small village all to themselves…
→ Jack Hannah / United States / 7’ / 1951
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Isabelle Minnebo (Disney)
Winter storage Wintervoorraad
Chip and Dale collect plenty of acorns for winter. Donald Duck accidentally steals their supply for growing trees.
→ Jack Hannah / United States / 6’ / 1949
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Isabelle Minnebo (Disney)
Helping hand Helpende handen
Scrubby
Scrubby wants to live forever in his mother's thick fur, but she is beginning to lose her hair.
Since the construction of a bridge, a ferry has had no passengers. A coot wants to help the lonely boatman.
→ Marlies van der Wel / The Netherlands / 2’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Ursula van den Heuvel (Kaboom Distribution)
Homework Huiswerk
COMPILATION
Together is better! That's the motto of the lovable characters in this collection of short films. Living pencils, strange little monsters or playing children: they all want to help each other out. A tender cinematic experience full of wonder.
A mythical creature helps the animals in the forest, a coot takes care of a lonely boatman and a gang of school supplies look after each other. They all know that real heroes are helpers!
→ Different directors / Different countries / 46’ / 2023-2024
→ No dialogue 3+
The bridge De brug
A mythical creature does not realize that he forms a bridge between two sides of a forest, connecting the animals.
→ Sohyun Kim / South Korea / 6’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Jinsan Kim (KIAFA AniSEED)
A pencil and his friends use their unique skills to help each other in the school where they all live.
→ Nacho Arjona / Spain / 15’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Ismael Martín (Selected Films)
Filante
Every night Paulette sees the same shooting star in the sky. Each time she wishes the same thing: that she will find her missing rat again.
→ Marion Jamault / France / 8’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Annabel Sebag (Miyu)
The night tunnel
Le tunnel de la nuit Maantunnel
Two children from opposite sides of the world meet in a tunnel they dig on the beach. Together they dig a way to the North Pole.
→ Annechien Strouven / Belgium, France & the Netherlands / 8’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Miguel Español Celiméndiz (Wasia)
Animal friends
Dierenvrienden
COMPILATION
Imaginative short films for children who love animals. And who maybe even recognizes themselves in their silly adventures?
A cat cafe turns into a jazz club, a rabbit fears the dark, and a little dog stirs up a preschool class. Humor, adventure and fantasy in six fun animal stories for toddlers!
→ Different directors / Different countries / 35’ / 2023-2024
→ No dialogue
The odd carrot Burkāns neparastais De vreemde wortel
Two bunnies find a precious carrot. But oh no, an angry badger tries to steal it!
→ Inese Pavēne / Lithuania / 9’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Katrina Cimmermane (Film studio "Animācijas brigāde" Ltd.)
Cat café
Le chateau des chats Kattencafé
A cat café in the heart of Paris becomes a secret city hotspot as the cats turn it into a jazz club in the middle of the night.
→ Ottilie Collingridge / United Kingdom / 3’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Dorian Terkelsen (Arts University Bournemouth)
Who's wrong Vems fel? Wie is mis?
All children get to show their favorite toys at school today. But someone is stealing all the attention!
A tale of friendship, jealousy, and the art of making amends.
→ Linda Hambäck & Stina Wirsén / Sweden / 5’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Josefina Mothander (The Swedish Film Institute)
Bouquet Boeket
Sometimes friendship grows from a bouquet of flowers. And sometimes it blooms when young and old meet.
→ Cécile Robineau / France / 3’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Cécile Robineau (Tant Mieux Prod)
As the sun goes down Bang voor het donker
Poor bunny! He's so afraid of the dark, he has to chase the moonlight at night.
→ Emma Roussel, Ilona Caucal, Inès Fechner, Jahnice Laurent, Kevin Vandenbeuck, Laurine Bocquet & Sarah Robert / France / 6’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Jessica Bellotto (ESMA)
Forever
seven Für immer Sieben Voor altijd zeven
A box is a box is a box. Sometimes though it's just a matter of perspective to discover something completely different behind it.
Timeless entertainment for everyone! It's like walking through a picture book along with the cute, curious little mole and his friends. Don't miss it, this classic is rarely shown.
Six classic episodes of Mole, in which he does all kinds of crazy things. Like painting himself and the other animals, using a lollipop as a fly swatter or trying to get a glowing star back into the sky…
→ Zdeněk Miler / Czech Republic / 47’ / 1969-1975
→ No dialogue 3+
The
egg Vejce Het ei
Mole finds a chicken egg. He sets out to find the mother, but without success.
Huddle up close for a dose of winter coziness and endearing friendships in these three short films, to the soothing sounds of live piano music.
A bear thinks of her friend, the bird, who flew south for the winter. Instead of getting ready for her hibernation, she goes after him. A long journey through beautiful landscapes, and an ode to unconditional friendship.
→ Different directors / Different countries / 49’ / 2023-2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
Fallin' Caindo Vallen
A winter spirit awakens in a different season. Can he learn to love something he does not understand?
→ Carlos Navarro / Spain / 10’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Hoofs on skates Kanopos ir pačiūžos Hoeven op schaatsen
Two friends are skating on a frozen lake. Through a crack in the ice, they discover a strange, unknown world.
→ Ignas Meilūnas / Lithuania / 13’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
The bear and the bird L'ourse et l'oiseau
De berin en de vogel
A bear thinks of her friend, the bird, who flew south for the winter. Instead of getting ready for her hibernation, she goes after him.
→ Marie Caudry / France / 26’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Sir Mouse Ridder Muis
COMPILATION
The adventures of the fiery Sir Mouse and her dear friend Draak are popular in many Flemish living rooms. Don't miss the chance to discover new episodes in the cinema. Sometimes strange, often absurd, but always engaging! A real experience for preschoolers.
In five short episodes, the feisty Sir Mouse cheerfully smashes stereotypes. He explores the castle of Koning Vos, steals his throne, plays a flying magic flute, takes a job as a bodyguard and tries to scare away Koning Vos' suitors.
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 55’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
The ghost Het spook
Ridder Muis and Draak are staying in the castle. At night Muis goes exploring, even though the king has forbidden it!
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 11’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique)
Attack Ten aanval
The king is firing his gatekeepers Vos and Mol. Ridder Muis and Draak steal his throne to show that he cannot simply dismiss them.
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 11’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique)
Magic flute
Toverfluit
Ridder Muis and Draak go in search of a flying magic flute. But beware! Because once the magic melody gets you dancing, there's no stopping you.
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 11’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique)
Duke Hertog
A duke from abroad enlists Ridder Muis en Draak as his personal bodyguards.
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 11’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique)
King wants to get married Koning wil trouwen
The king is on the lookout for a queen, but Prince does not want his dad to remarry. He asks Ridder Muis and Draak to chase away the suitors.
→ Tom Van Gestel / Belgium & Ireland / 11’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique)
Hanna and the monsters Hanna y los monstruos Hanna en de monstervriendjes
Did you know that there is a world where humans scare the monsters? That's what cute Hanna discovers in this fun adventure for preschoolers. Fun animated film full of monsters and big hugs.
Four-year-old Hanna upsets an entire monster town. She so badly wants to hug the monsters and sees everyone as her best friend. What will it take to make the monsters find her cuddly as well?
→ Lorena Ares / Spain / 79’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Rik Sinkeldam (MovieCompany)
Fox and Hare save the forest Vos en Haas redden het bos
EARCATCH
The very first feature film about best friends Fox and Hare was a huge success in theaters. And now you can watch it (again) at our festival! All your favorites from the hit Ketnet series play a role in this humorous film adaptation of the book of the same name by Sylvia Vanden Heede and Thé Tjong-Khing. A not-to-be-missed adventure for young and old. With great songs and spectacularly funny Flemish voices!
Strange things are happening in the forest. Owl has suddenly disappeared, and out of nowhere a large lake has appeared. Fox and Hare are determined to find out what is going on. While searching for their friend Owl, they meet a group of mischievous rats who lead them to the secret hideout of the clever Beaver. There they discover a hidden underwater paradise! But soon they realize that things are not as they seem. Will Fox and Hare find a way out in time? Can they save the forest?
An adventurous Romeo & Juliet story in a colorful visual style and with strong voice work. Thanks to amusing characters and beautiful musical numbers, the important message about 'being who you are' will no doubt resonate with young viewers.
Benjamin Bat is small, afraid of the dark and loves to sing. His brothers think that's just weird. Especially since singing is for birds, and birds are their sworn enemies. When Victor falls in love with the tropical songbird Sherida, he gathers all his courage to be himself.
→ Patrick Raats / The Netherlands & Luxembourg / 75’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Henk Cluytens (September Film)
Boisterous adventure full of crazy characters and spectacular colors. The mix of animation and live action is
bursting with creativity. Who knows, you might even feel like doodling yourself, thanks to that cute dino jumping from sketch to sketch!
Adorable dino Diplo wants to explore, but his anxious parents won't let him out of the swamp. But then a cartoonist erases Diplo's world and his parents. Brave Diplo and his bizarre friends go on a crazy search and jump between sketches and cartoons.
→ Wojtek Wawszczyk / Poland / 93’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Charlotte Evrard Floyd (Distri7)
Wow! Message from outer space Wow! Nachricht aus dem All Wow! Een bericht uit de ruimte
This marvelous space adventure is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. For fans of E.T. and young astronauts-to-be. 3.. 2... 1... Take off!
Eleven-year-old Billie is the daughter of a space scientist and an astronaut. No wonder she is obsessed with extraterrestrials. When she and her friend Dino pick up an alien signal, no one believes them. So off they go to investigate on their own!
→ Felix Binder / Germany / 98’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Annemiek de Jong (In The Air)
This first ever children's film about Frida Kahlo is magnificently animated and evokes the vibrant atmosphere of her artwork.
Frida lives in the vibrant world of Mexico City, and she sparkles with energy. When she falls ill, she uses her vivid imagination to overcome her obstacles. This is how she became one of the most famous artists of the 20th century.
→ Karine Vézina & André Kadi / France & Canada / 82’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Valemon: the polar bear king Kvitebjørn De ijsbeerprins
Compelling Scandinavian fairy tale reminiscent of classic Disney films like Beauty and the Beast. Fun songs, humor and breathtaking scenery provide the backdrop for this tale of love, greed and courage.
The fearless Liv dreams of a life outside the forest. When she meets a mysterious polar bear, she follows him. Slowly they become friends and Liv discovers that the bear is enchanted. Will Liv manage to break the curse and defeat the vicious witch?
Get ready for the first bingewatch of the Youth Film Festival! Six scintillatingly animated episodes about a young girl in Algeria.
Khadidja is suddenly alone in the big city of Algiers when her older brother is arrested. Fortunately, there is Lyes, who takes her to his hideout on the rooftops of the Casbah, the market. Along with two more friends, they decipher a coded message from her brother, and follow a mysterious trail to free him.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 132’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles 6+
The blow La gifle De klap
It is 1955. Khadidja follows her brother Malek to Algiers, but he is arrested. She gets help from Lyes, Philippe and Ahmed, who live on a rooftop.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
The
boxing match
Le match de boxe De bokswedstrijd
Khadidja and Lyes go to Malek's apartment, but two strange men are already there. Later they go to their great idol's boxing match.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
Khadidja now has a mattress, but Malek's hut is still very rickety, especially when it rains. They go into a spooky forest to find something to fix the roof.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
L'Oranaise
Ahmed, Lyes and Khadidja read a letter from Malek. They believe they must find Reinette
L'Oranaise, the famous singer.Can she help free Malek?
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
A Sunday in Algiers Un dimanche à Alger Een zondag in Algiers
Philippe's family is invited to lunch on the beach. Meanwhile, Khadidja and Lyes are making great strides in their investigation.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
The notebook Le carnet Het schriftje
The children have a plan to get their hands on an important notebook and finally free Malek.
→ Antoine Colomb / France & Belgium / 22’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Melat Ollevier (Lunanime)
COMPILATION
Four super entertaining short films about creative thinkers who use their imagination to change the world around them. With a little spark of imagination, anything works. That's something even inventor Mrs. Hermitage knows, in the hidden gem by Quentin Blake, the famous illustrator of Roald Dahl's books.
Fun and imaginative films about creative thinkers. From Quentin Blake's cycling Mrs. Armitage to an inventive baker and a surly engineer.
→ Different directors / Different countries / 47’ / 2023-2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
Baking with Boris La boulangerie de Boris Bakkerij Boris
How will baker Boris provide his neighbors with crispy bread if he is suddenly allergic to flour?
The Great Spider catches solar droplets in her web, creating the first humans.
→ Julia Hazuka / Poland / 10’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Julia Hazuka
Wing it! Kunst- en vliegwerk
A cranky engineer is tossed into the air aboard a space shuttle along with an eager aspiring pilot.
→ Rik Schutte / The Netherlands / 3’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Fiona Cohen (Blender Studio)
Mrs. Armitage on wheels
Mevr. Hermitage op wieltjes
Inventor Mrs. Armitage is planning a trip, but she can't stop adding extra items to her bicycle.
→ Gerrit Bekers / Belgium, France & United Kingdom / 26’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Ada Cattoir (Spicy Acorn)
Outside the lines Buiten de lijntjes
COMPETITION
Curious monks, a robot from outer space, a klutz with lofty dreams. Nothing is too wild for the inventive creators of the most remarkable European short films.
A monk chases a sparrow, a girl gets to know her grandfather, a robot and a bird become friends, an introvert blossoms, and a klutzy boy contributes to one of the most important works of art ever created. All come to life in this unique collection of short films for children.
→ Different directors / Different countries / 53’ / 2023-2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
Sparrows
Moineaux Mussen
In a Buddhist temple, young monks begin their meditation when the master arrives. One of the children is distracted by a sparrow and follows the bird outside the monastery.
→ Rémi Durin / Belgium, France / 11’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Miguel Español Celiméndiz (Wasia)
World I live in Svět, ve kterém žiji Deze wereld van mij
Alice is completely consumed by a video game in which she catches butterflies. She has no interest in her grandfather, who protects endangered butterflies. But everything changes during a powerful thunderstorm.
→ Ester Kasalová / Czech Republic / 7’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Alexandra Hroncová (Cinefila)
Ovo
This is the story of a meeting between an astonishing robot from outer space and an adorable little bird that just hatched from its egg…
→ Stiv Spasojevic / France / 6’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Alfonso Díaz (Line up)
Caterpillar Rups
The introverted Bo watches the animal-like behavior of her extraordinary neighbors, but which animal is she herself?
→ Susanne Hagen / The Netherlands / 21’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Susanne Hagen
Felice fiasco De vrolijke Fiasco
A young man named Fiasco wishes to be part of the Renaissance’s most impressive construction project: the duomo of Firenze. Sadly, he breaks everything he touches.
→ Cécile Gardies / France / 8’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Cécile Gardies
Flow Straume
From meow to wow! Kids, parents and cat lovers: everyone gets enchanted by this epic adventure. An exciting,
wordless story of friendship, diversity and nature in a unique animation style.
When a cute kitten wakes up, everything is awash in water. There is not a person in sight. On a small boat, he must not only conquer his fear of water, but also learn to get along with other animals who survived the tsunami. Together they try to overcome their differences and adapt to this new, unfamiliar world.
After the phenomenal and awardwinning Ma vie de Courgette, Swiss director Claude Barras comes up with a new stop-motion gem. This time he takes an interest in the fate of the jungle, making everyone support conservation—and cute orangutans.
Kéria lives with her father on the edge of the jungle in Borneo, when her cousin Selaï comes from the jungle to live with them for a while. When Kéria finds a baby orangutan, they want to nurse it together in order to release the monkey into the jungle later. But the jungle is under threat from large logging companies. Kéria and Selaï go all out to protect the environment and their family.
→ Claude Barras / France, Switzerland & Belgium / 87’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
COMPETITION
Vibes and epic skate moves fuel this film about protesting tweens who battle for a place of their own place.
Twelve-year-old Alma discovers that her father's company wants to build a parking lot at the local skate park. To prevent it, she must join forces with her frenemy Luna's skate group. A full-blown battle with the excavation crew ensues.
→ Klemen Dvornik / Slovenia / 79’ / 2024
→ Slovenian spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Niklas Teng (LevelK)
Living large Zivot k sezrání Door dik en dun
COMPETITION
Self-love conquers all in this awardwinning Czech animated film. Be transported by the characters, cool musical numbers and touching moments.
Ben is a carefree pupil and musician in a band. When the new school year starts, he falls madly in love with his classmate Claire. Ben throws himself into an intense diet to get her attention. In the end, Ben learns that it doesn't matter how you look, but it matters how you feel.
Kiki's delivery service Majo no takkyûbin Kiki’s vliegende koeriersdienst
CLASSIC
This picture-perfect fairy tale from Japan's legendary Studio Ghibli (Spirited away) is as beautiful and relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Kiki and her cat Jiji remain the charismatic role models children need as they make their way in the world. Don't miss the chance to experience this wonderful animated classic by Miyazaki in theaters!
As a young witch in training, Kiki has to live alone for a while. That's part of her education. Together with her cocky cat Jiji, she moves to a port town where she knows no one. This makes her insecure, but along the way she improves her flying skills, makes friends and even starts a local delivery service on her broom.
Super atmospheric film adaptation of the acclaimed children's book by Annette Schaap, which quickly became a worldwide classic. In the magical story about the friendship between a courageous nautical child and a mermaid boy, everyone is special. The unique costumes, dark visual effects and compelling music are a feast for fans of Tim Burton, Lemony Snicket and... Lampie herself of course!
Lampie lives with her father Augustus in the lighthouse. He sends her up every evening to light the torch. One tempestuous day, everything goes wrong: the matches run out, the fire fails and a large ship crashes against the rocks. Lampie is sent away from home and has to go to work in the infamous Black House, where, as everyone knows, a monster lives.
Beautiful mix of honest testimonies and imaginative comics. In this way, this playful youth documentary pays homage to the superpowers of ordinary people.
What happens when you have to be invisible as a child to survive? Maybe it gives you superpowers? The documentary filmmaker tries to find out, together with a woman who was able to keep quiet during the war, a boy who cannot show himself and other real-life superheroes.
Anyone not yet familiar with French animation master Jean-François Laguionie is in for a wonderful surprise. A tender film about growing up and big dreams, following the rhythm of the sea. Musing, poetic and in a picturesque drawing style to capture your heart.
In the early 1950s, 11-year-old François' parents built a boat in their garden in France. It is a replica of Joshua Slocum's famous sailboat, in which he became the first person to sail solo around the world. As François begins helping with the project, he discovers he has quite a lot in common
with his reserved stepfather. And so he begins his own poetic voyage between childhood and adulthood. A journey that leads him to his personal passions: the sea and drawing.
Children have so much to think about, they sometimes forget themselves.... In this joyful yet touching portrait, a girl rediscovers her own wishes and dreams, which she pushed aside for her hectic family members. Playful coming-of-age film that will keep you talking for a long time!
Honey is in a new class and wants most of all to play guitar in the school band, along with the boy she has a crush on. But she has no time for music, because she has to help everyone in her chaotic family... Then she discovers that her rebellious grandfather is still alive and she secretly visits him. Could she perhaps learn from him how to stick up for herself?
→ Natasha Arthy / Denmark / 90’ / 2024
→ Danish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Sylvia Kocman (Attraction International Distribution)
Young hearts
EARCATCH
Sparkling crowdpleaser about first love. Join the emotional journey of Elias, who falls head over heels for the boy next door, with a little laughter, some tears and a few catchy schlager songs. An engaging debut from Anthony Schatteman, which has already captured (young) hearts at festivals around the world.
Elias is attracted to the new boy next door, Alexander. Soon he realizes he is actually in love for the first time. In an emotional rollercoaster, he tries to make sense of his burgeoning feelings, without revealing anything to his friends and family. But can he also prove that he is worthy of Alexander's heart?
→ Anthony Schatteman / Belgium & the Netherlands / 97’ / 2024
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Pascale Devreese (Kinepolis Film Distribution n.v.)
Ket & Doc 2025
Every year, VAF, Ketnet and JEF support the production of five documentaries for children. You will see them for the first time at Youth Film Festival Antwerp!
Five documentaries that feature real children. They learn to dance without shame, prepare for high school, try to unlearn bed-wetting, discover their roots, or DJ with a grandfather who is starting to forget. Always sincere and moving, from their world to yours.
→ Different directors / Belgium / 75’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
Wheelie boys
Riding on one wheel, three friends prepare for a new phase of life: the transition to high school.
→ Aisha Adepoju / Belgium / 15’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Brainbeats
Together with his grandfather, who has dementia, Boris creates a DJ track that connects them forever.
→ Silke De Vos / Belgium / 15’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Eloise's summer De zomer van Eloise
A nine-year-old girl embarks on a journey of discovery to her cameroonian roots and the world of her curly hair.
→ Lize Cuveele / Belgium / 15’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Just Jools
Twelve-year-old Jools dreams of dancing without shame, and she achieves this with the help of a choreographer who teaches her to forget the gaze of others.
→ Ezra Verbist / Belgium / 15’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Dry sheets Droge lakens
Three kids have a secret: occasionally, they still wet the bed. By the end of summer, they aim to sleep dry.
→ Jelske Antonissen / Belgium / 15’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Ruby rules De raad van Soekie
COMPILATION
Soekie's council is back with a second season! This comical Ketnet series about Soekie and the other members of the student council at B.R.O.L. high school introduces children to politics and debate in a light-hearted way. You'll see the final four episodes premiered at the festival before they appear on television. Be the first to find out how the feud between Soekie and her great rival Pedro ends!
President Soekie and the four other members of the student council are committed to the school and their fellow students. But council member Pedro is annoyed and wants to take Soekie's place as chairman. That sets off sparks in this second season. Gossip, reality shows and a spectacular prom leave tempers running high—and provide a great deal of fun.
→ Brecht De Groot / Belgium / 60’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
Gossiping with Rudyard Roddelen met Rudyard
Rudyard makes up some juicy gossip about his fellow students, even about his best friend Soekie.
Pedro immediately uses that little lie in an attempt to get Soekie to resign as president.
→ Brecht De Groot / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Jimmy Simons (Eyeworks Film & TV Drama)
9+
The 1% De 1%
Pedro wants to turn the B.R.O.L. into an elite school. Only the top 1% of the smartest children will be allowed to take classes, making them even smarter, and the other 99% only dumber.
→ Brecht De Groot / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Jimmy Simons (Eyeworks Film & TV Drama)
Just Pedro
Gewoon Pedro
To win the election, Pedro creates a reality show around his person. But his 'reality' is staged propaganda.
→ Brecht De Groot / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Jimmy Simons (Eyeworks Film & TV Drama)
Party turmoil
Feestruzie
The student council is hopelessly divided over prom. Rudyard and Tess don't even want to talk to each other anymore.
→ Brecht De Groot / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Jimmy Simons (Eyeworks Film & TV Drama)
What a day Wat een dag
COMPETITION
Life is full of exciting twists and turns, even if you can't travel through time. That's exactly what the characters discover in these short stories full of humor, adventure and emotion.
A motley collection of kids on the coolest adventures. Loup communicates with his grandfather's ghost, Pippa looks for her dog, Dalou needs a substitute-father, a botanist travels through time and Breki provides a big surprise!
→ Different directors / Different countries / 62’ / 2023-2024
→ Different languages, Dutch subtitles
Bear on ice Beer op ijs
In a neglected suburb, 9-year-old Pippa embarks on a quest to rescue her missing dog, encountering quirky neighbours and a mysterious sheriff along the way.
→ Till Kleinau / Germany / 19’ / 2024
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Katja Tauber
After grandpa
Après papi
Na opa
Loup adores insects, but is afraid of his grandfather's ghost. What is this ghost doing here anyway?
Loup conquers his fears to find out.
→ Juliette Michel, Axel Sence, Victoria Leviaux, Florian Gomes Freitas & Swann Valenza / France / 6’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Francois Heiser (Yummy Films)
Moustache
With help from his best friend Coco, Dalou sets out to find a substitute father for the school sports day.
A botanist returns to the past to find an extinct mushroom, but her machine takes her further than expected…
→ Glenn Paul-parvenu / France / 3’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Glenn Paul-parvenu
Felt cute Sætur
Cute
One day, Breki sneaks into his older sister's room. He tries on all her clothes and makeup and surprises everyone with his complete makeover.
→ Anna Karín Lárusdóttir / Iceland / 15’ / 2023
→ Icelandic spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Anna Karín Lárusdóttir
Real go-getters Echte doorzetters
Short documentaries with a huge impact! The three young people in the films are all strong in their own way. Embrace Maaike, Lotte and David in their stories full of emotion, resilience and personal growth.
Everyone has different challenges: gymnast Maaike deals with a great amount of stress, Lotte has fun despite her illness, and breakdancer David embraces his mother's dreams.
→ Different directors / The Netherlands / 50’ / 2023-2024
→ Different languages spoken, Dutch subtitles
Nerves Zenuwen
Filmmaker Maaike follows a young gymnast during the Frisian Championships. What makes the apparatus beam so nerve-wracking? Can nerves and pressure bring us something good as well?
→ Maaike Meindertsma / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2023
→ Dutch and Frisian spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Maaike Meindertsma
Summer of dreams Zomerdromen
At a summer camp for children with cancer, 11-year-old Lotte finds support and friendship among peers who understand her, as she tries to forget her daily worries and find the balance between fun and the challenges of her disease.
→ Kim Faber / The Netherlands / 17’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Manon Tsang (Tangerine Tree)
Life upside down Leven op zijn kop
Mery fled from Armenia to the Netherlands and left everything behind. Her son David is a talented breakdancer. Can David make up for his mother's lost dreams, or will he choose his own path?
→ Barbara de Baare / The Netherlands / 25’ / 2024
→ Dutch and Armenian spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: François Pieneman (Worldvisuals Film)
Deep sea Shen hai
Visually astounding spectacle from China. Immerse yourself in this avalanche of colors and impressions. At the same time, be moved by the gripping story of goodbyes and loss.
Since her mom left, Shenxiu has felt a deep sadness. During a family cruise, she falls into the ocean, and begins an
incredible underwater journey between dreams and reality. Guided by a manyeyed creature she ends up in chef Nanhe's chaotic Deep Sea Restaurant. Together they embark on a quest for the Eye of the Deep Sea.
→ Tian Xiaopeng / China / 112’ / 2023
→ Chinese spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Alice Poorthuis (Periscoop Film)
Soft leaves
Intimate feature debut by BelgianJapanese director Miwako Van Weyenberg. Geert Van Rampelberg and new talent Lill Berteloot provide the poignancy in this sensitive coming-ofage story about cultural differences and childhood.
Eleven-year-old Yuna loves to draw and is looking forward to a hiking vacation with her father. But after a painful fall, he still has difficulty caring for his daughter. Yuna's Japanese mother therefore comes to Belgium. Carefully the two get to know and understand each other better, and Yuna learns more about her origins.
→ Miwako Van Weyenberg / Belgium / 98’ / 2024
→ Flemish & Japanese spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Arnaud de Haan (Cinéart)
VR cinema 9+
Virtual reality? That's disappearing into a new world! Experience a sensational selection of short films in our wonderful VR cinema. This year for the first time at De Cinema in Antwerp!
Discover Soda Island Ontdek Soda Island
Strange creatures, ancient rituals and harmonic symphonies. You'll encounter it all during this immersive journey through the musical Soda Island.
→ Simone Fougnier / United States / 34’ / 2020-2021
→ No dialogue
The multiverse bakery
Tales from Soda Island: the multiverse bakery De multidimensionale bakkerij
Live a strange ritual full of shifting rooms, magical mayhem and cosmic delights, in the most bizarre bakery you ever saw.
→ Simone Fougnier / United States / 6’ / 2020
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Peter Ariet (Studio Syro)
The neon jungle
Tales from Soda Island: the neon jungle De neonjungle
In this thrilling expedition, a creature from Soda Island tries to deliver a package deep in the twisted jungle.
→ Simone Fougnier / United States / 11’ / 2020
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Peter Ariet (Studio Syro)
The golden record
Tales from Soda Island: the golden record De gouden plaat
In the ant colony on Soda Island, a lone worker discovers an alien object that has fallen from the sky.
→ Simone Fougnier / United States / 17’ / 2021
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Peter Ariet (Studio Syro)
On land, at sea and in the air Te land, ter zee en in de lucht
VR
A poetic VR experience about the migration of animals, long long ago.
Travel across ancient continents with the bald ibis, the arctic fox and the sea turtle.
→ Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann & Dirk Hoffmann / Germany / 33’ / 2022
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
The bald ibis Myriad: De kale ibis
Soar with a bald ibis across ancient continents in this poetic VR experience about the migration of animals long ago.
→ Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann & Dirk Hoffmann / Germany / 11’ / 2022
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Kerstin Klewitz (Interactive Media Foundation)
The arctic fox
Myriad: The arctic fox De poolvos
Explore the Arctic with an Arctic Fox in this poetic VR experience about the migration of animals long ago.
→ Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann & Dirk Hoffmann / Germany / 11’ / 2022
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Kerstin Klewitz (Interactive Media Foundation)
The green sea turtle
Myriad: The green sea turtle De groene zeeschildpad
Dive into the ocean with a sea turtle in this poetic VR experience about animal migration long ago.
→ Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann & Dirk Hoffmann / Germany / 11’ / 2022
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Kerstin Klewitz (Interactive Media Foundation)
12+
Samia
A gripping portrait based on the true story of athlete Samia Yusuf Omar. Be inspired by a young woman who does not let war and oppression stop her from achieving her dreams. Warm and empathetic, with a brilliant lead actress.
Samia is an independent young woman growing up in a place that doesn't like independent young women. All she wants is to run. But sports are forbidden for girls... Nevertheless, she is determined to one day represent her country Somalia at the Olympics.
→ Arabic, English & Somali spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Vivien Vande Kerckhove (O'Brother Distribution)
Listen up! Hør her'a!
Playful comedy about the search for yourself and your place within your family. A generous dose of zest for life to brighten your winter.
Fifteen-year-old Mahmoud lives in a flat in Oslo with his family. During summer vacation, he has little desire to guide his uncle from Pakistan around town, preferring to hang out with his best friend. But then he finds out that his little brother Ali does not identify as a boy. Mahmoud stands up for Ali, until the rest of the family does as well.
→ Kaveh Tehrani / Norway / 86’ / 2023
→ Norwegian & Urdu spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Knut Skinnarmo (Norwegian Film Institute)
Edge of summer
It is impossible not to be mesmerized by this nostalgic coming-of-age film with the vibe of a supernatural thriller.
Evie goes on vacation with her mother to a village on the English coast. There she meets the mysterious Adam and together they often slip away to the mine on the outskirts of the village. It is their way of escaping annoying bullies and not thinking about their absent fathers. But something strange and subterranean is brewing in the mine, making its way into the real world.
→ Lucy Cohen / United Kingdom / 98’ / 2024
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Miguel Angel Govea (Alief)
16+
Girls will be girls
The disarming Mira and her intimate exploration are relatable to girls everywhere, across country borders and cultures. An impressive debut film from an Indian filmmaker to keep an eye on!
Sixteen-year-old Mira is at a strict boarding school in the Himalayas, but that does not stop her romantic desires, quite the contrary. Her exploration is disturbed, however, by her mother, who herself has never quite grown up.
→ Shuchi Talati / India, France, United States & Norway / 118’ / 2024
→ English & Hindi spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Théophane Bérenger (Luxbox)
Memoir of a snail
Heartwarming and hilarious stop motion from Oscar winner Adam Elliot. A special film to cherish, full of wonderfully detailed animation and brilliant voice work. Sob along to the strange twists and turns life has in store.
Grace Pudel is a book-loving, snailcollecting misfit that falls into a series of misfortunes after being separated
from her twin brother Gilbert. Despite her hardships, inspiration and hope arise when Grace begins a friendship with an eccentric elderly woman named Pinky.
A stalker literally conquers time to be with the love of her ‘lives'. Dark, silly and madcap, but most of all utterly original. This one will have you walking out while still laughing.
The fumbling Agnes always makes the same mistake no matter what era she lives in. From the Middle Ages to the 1980s, she keeps reincarnating, and each time she falls in love with the wrong man. Will she ever learn?
→ Alice Lowe / United Kingdom / 89’ / 2024
→ English spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Fanny Gavelle (The Festival Agency)
Lovesick
After losing her ex, Mara is having a hard time moving on and is convinced she sees her ex everywhere. Her friends think it's time for a change and push her to attend a party. The party takes Mara literally and figuratively beyond her limits. Now the question is whether Mara is ready to let go of her ex for good.
→ Marie-Lou Vandewiele / Belgium / 8’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Mathias Sourbron (Wajow)
Pronoïa
Point of U Vertical Film Festival is an initiative of WAJOW vzw, an Antwerpbased organization with directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah as the driving forces. It is a celebration of diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. Young, diverse filmmakers from around the world come together to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, with a focus on short, vertical content in 9:16 format. Visitors will take part in inspiring workshops, lectures and master classes free of charge. Led by prominent figures from the Belgian film world, they will learn more about the latest trends in vertical storytelling and the influence of social media on modern cinema.
→ Different directors / Belgium / 45’ / 2024
→ Different languages spoken, English subtitles
Papillon
After an unexpected event, Moïs must grow up faster than expected. He struggles with what it means to become a “man”, especially in an African family.
Pronoïa is a non-fiction short that tells the story of a non-binary young adult, without exposing his identity. The film highlights the profound effects of rejection, homelessness and loneliness, as well as the search for inner strength and self-acceptance. Through intimate fragments of daily struggles and quiet moments of vulnerability creates alienation and resilience. Pronoia asks the viewer not to see, but to feel.
In Shab Rwina, Barkie must repay €12,000 to the violent Ramo within 48 hours. With the help of his brother Cassawi and best friend Amal, he tries to gather the money, but their efforts fail. When Ramo discovers counterfeit money during a handover at a party, it triggers a deadly chase where everything is at stake.
Jade is preparing for her photography admission test, in which she captures her summer and group of friends through the lens of her camera. While summer seems to shine with moments of joy, friendship and vulnerability, an invisible shadow hangs over her images.
→ Iera Sih Nguijoel / Belgium / 9’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, English subtitles
→ Contact: Mathias Sourbron (Wajow)
16+
COMPILATION
16+
Het Bos and Youth Film Festival
Three moments of Clarity
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the festival? A subtle, beautiful and honest short film that is not yet finished, but will be when you see it.
→ Falk Thys / 12’
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
Dancing Light
A search for identity and meaning, for anyone trying to find themselves, or running away from their own reflection.
→ Salim Azaimi / 10’
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
Shkoun Nta (who are you)
A person caught between two personalities discovers dance as a way to escape. By moving, he expresses his inner conflict.
→ Salim Azaimi / 5’
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
Open Atelier: 'A 1000 Girls'
INSTALLATION
A 1000 Girls is a collective search for the girl, an exploration of the power of being endlessly reborn.
→ Sietske van Aerde
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
La Llorna
In La Llorona, Viktor, the main character, struggles with a past that continues to haunt him. This conflict takes the form of the mythical figure La Llorona, who appears throughout the film as a symbol of Viktor's inner struggle. Her presence can be seen both as a supernatural force, but also as a psychological manifestation of his pain and loneliness. As Viktor confronts La Llorona, the film explores themes of grief, isolation and identity.
→ Darwin Cabrera / 22'
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos) → COMPILATION
Antwerp present a unique program, with films that embody an intense experience. Moving, confronting, confusing or enlightening. Cinema is all these things. This selection comes to life outside the traditional cinema setting, challenging you to look in a different way. And those who love film primarily for its snacks will also be delighted.
Suicide Rabbit
The psychedelic adventures of a suicide rabbit. The film was made in one evening of KASKA DKO.
In a spontaneous creative mood, the makers used the material available at KASKA DKO open evening, mainly because they were interested in making stop-motion for once.
→ Lucy Cré & Veery Fransen / 5’
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
The Mirror Egg & Soap Bubbles
Expect a miniature sitcom on pellicule, presented as an “expanded cinema performance” with a self-modified 16mm projector and live sound!
→ Floris Vanhoof / 10’
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
Spinning in two axes, a self portrait in a washing machine
INSTALLATION
This work explores the boundary between the physical and the digital through a game of movement.
→ Orphelia Aerts
→ Contact: Karen Cosemans (Het Bos)
Concrete Spaces
INSTALLATION
Concrete Spaces delves into the complex and fragile nature of public spaces in modern cities.
It's colorful, big and you can watch movies in it. It is... the inflatable cinema! During the Youth Film Festival, the cinema travels from park to square and stands in a different place in Antwerp every day. Together with various neighborhood and city partners we create a minivillage where there is plenty to do.
→ Michalis Giagkounidis, Greece, 2021 The Asia minor catastrophe
→ George Chatzivasileiou, Greece, 2022 Mystery of the missing socks
→ Oskar Lehemaa, Estonia, 2023 Pig
→ Jorn Leeuwerink, the Netherlands, 2022 Anscht
→ Matthias Huber, Switzerland, 2022 Death to bikini
→ Justine Gauthier, Canada, 2023 Meteors
→ Agnès Patron & Morgane Le Péchon , France, 2023 Atomic chicken
→ Thibault Ermeneux, Lucie Lyfoung, Solène Polet, Capucine Prat, Morgane Siriex & Anna Uglova, France, 2023 Boom
→ Gabriel Augeria, Romain Augier, Laurie Pereira De Figueiredo, Charles Di Cicco & Yannick Jacquin, France, 2022
Capybaras
→ Alfredo Soderguit, France, Uruguay & Chile, 2023 A wish upon a satellite
→ Leeni Linna, Estonia & Finland, 2021
12+
A day out
→ Ana Horvat, Croatia, 2021 Ana Morphose
→ João Rodrigues, Portugal, 2023 Ice merchants
→ João Gonzalez, Portugal, United Kingdom & France, 2022
Eva won't go
→ Valerie Rutjes, the Netherlands, 2023 Waking up in Vegas
→ Michèle Flury, Switzerland, 2023 The penguin's flight
→ Stella Serefoglou, Greece, 2021 Mobile school travels
→ Lucas Paleocrassas, Greece, 2024 Tula
→ Bea de Silva, Spain, 2022 Society of clothes
→ Dahee Jeong, France, Canada & South Korea, 2024 From the corner of my eyes
→ Domonkos Erhardt, Hungary, 2023 Gravity
→ Robotina, Italy & Mexico, 2024
Workshops
Workshops Workshop Film artists Workshop Filmkunstenaars
A whirlwind journey for little artists! Did you know that you can make films by crafting and using all your senses? In this imaginative workshop, children experiment with a range of materials, from clay to paper. They think hard about important questions. Can clay be angry? What emotions does a branch feel? Maï Calon's poetic short film “Tree” serves as inspiration to knead, move and film. An adventurous experience where small hands bring film to life. This workshop is available for two age ranges (4-6y and 6-8y).
This workshop is developed by Maï Calon and Danaë Zegers. Maï Calon is a filmmaker and illustrator. Her audiovisual work often focuses on sound and rhythm. Maï graduated from KASK in 2018 with a master's degree in Audiovisual Arts/Animation Film. Currently, her short film 'Tree' is in post-production and she is working on a new film ’And You?'. Danaë Zegers is a filmmaker, writer and illustrator who recently graduated with a master's degree in Animation Film. In addition to stop motion, she enjoys experimenting with techniques such as drawing, painting, sound and texture.
Theaterfilmweek
Camera angles, stop motion, scenes, sound and projection: it seems strange words now, but after theater film week you'll play with them. For five days you will dive into the world of film and theater. You'll discover what the differences and similarities are and how to tell stories. This year we are collecting images, emotions and narratives about bravery. What does it mean to be courageous? You will visualize it and show it to the world during the presentation moment on Friday afternoon.
This workshop is a collaboration between hetpaleis and JEF, and is supervised by artists Maria Zandvliet and Miwako Van Weyenberg. Maria Zandvliet attended drama school at KASK and Conservatory of Ghent. Her work is full of references, quotes, dubbing and the continuous retelling of well-known, great stories. Teetering between humor and sincerity, she attempts to share her fascinations with the audience. Her graduation performance 'De Sont of Mjoesik' was screened in hetpaleis and at Theater Aan Zee. Miwako Van Weyenberg is a Belgian-Japanese screenwriter and director. In 2014 she won the VAF Wildcard with her RITCS bachelor's thesis Hitorikko, followed by master's thesis Il Faisait Noir in 2015, and in 2017 she realized the short film Summer Rain with the Wildcard. She then dove into her first feature film, 'Soft Leaves'. It is scheduled for release in spring 2025, but you can already watch the film at Youth Film Festival Antwerp. 7-9y
Workshop Filmmaking with AI Workshop Film maken met AI
Filmmaking is magic! Or ... is it simply a neat trick? In this workshop, children discover what it takes to bring their imaginations to life with a little help of AI. Everything starts with a simple sketch on paper. Those sketches are made to move using AI tools like Runway. No need for them to know anything about it yet: this workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in movies and AI, or simply with a desire to create. At the end of the session, everyone will go home with a QR code. They can now show their film to all their friends and family!
This workshop is in collaboration with Laurien Michiels from GLUON. She is a digital bard dedicated to creating immersive workshops for young people. Her degrees in Language and Literature (UGent) and Digital Narratives (IFS Cologne) form the basis for translating analog ideas into a creative digital experience. Laurien currently works as a project associate and creative technologist for GLUON Education, as well as a freelance artist within immersive technology. GLUON Education brings technological innovation closer to young people, teachers and interested parties. They do this through a STEAM + STARTS (Science, Technology, Arts) program. They organize Labs during school vacations, pop-ups in schools, cultural centers and during festivals, and in-service trainings for teachers. All educational projects focus on technological, scientific and artistic experiences.
Workshop Acting for film Workshop
Acteren voor film
Ready for your moment in the spotlight? This is your chance to learn how to act like a real movie star! You will discover how to show emotions in a close-up, with the camera right in your face. You practice making really believable phone calls. And you play the coolest scenes with other actors. But even background acting is part of the package! Experiment, steal the show and above all: have a lot of fun. This is a workshop you don't want to miss.
This workshop is developed by Tina Maerevoet. She works as an actress and children's coach on film sets. She also teaches at various academies and training programs. With her own theatre company, she produces shows for children, and you probably recognise her voice from a lot of commercials and television programs.
Workshop Gamejam
Gaming is great. But building games yourself? That's even better! So don't hesitate: at Gamejam you'll design your own levels in Super Mario Maker 2 and Super Dungeon Maker. Whether you invent a heroic journey through a dangerous jungle or build a mysterious castle full of puzzles: you're the boss. With a combination of creative thinking, teamwork and digital building, a unique game is created. Prior knowledge of programming or image editing is not necessary, but it is certainly okay. We work in different teams, at everyone's level.
This workshop is developed by Lander Van der Biest from GameHive. With ten years of experience in elementary education and a love of gaming, Lander Van der Biest is passionate about combining games and learning. As founder of Gamekunde and coordinator of the GameHive project, he explores the power of video games to discover talents and enrich learning opportunities. He also co-organizes events such as OMG (Education With Games), where he shares his knowledge on the educational value of games and VR.
9-12y
Medialab
MiniMedialab
A journey of discovery through digital games, light, sound and creation. Toddlers and preschoolers move and play to their hearts' content, their gaze filled with wonder. The little ones playfully explore the cozy Mini-Medialab in Zuiderpershuis. They discover how stories are created, and bring home a load of stories of their own!
Wonder Woollies
In this fuzzy world, you decide what happens. Do you want to grow vegetables, go on a picnic or organize a concert? You are the boss of the Woollies. What do you feel like doing?
→ Fuzzy House / Denemark / 10’ / 2018
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Marianne Tietge (Fuzzy House)
Sizzle & Stew
Dive into the kitchen with best friends Sizzle and Stew, and make a delicious mess. Put a donut in the dishwasher? Shrinking or exploding your meal? Eat with a fishing pole? Playing with your food is allowed for once!
→ Cowly Owl / United Kingdom / 10’ / 2018
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Chris O'Shea (Cowly Owl)
Active Arcade
INSTALLATION
A completely new way to play together and be active. Active Arcade puts you and your friends in the game. You use your body's movements to control the game. A real social activity, like tag in the schoolyard or a game night at home.
→ NEX Team Inc / United States / 5’ / 2021
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: NEX Team Inc
The Gallery of the Crazy Principles
INSTALLATION
Everything starts with a good beginning. Bring iconic studio titles to life and give them a (too) crazy twist!
→ Students Devine: Chloë Volckaert & Noor De Weirdt / Belgium / 5’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Chloë Volckaert
XLMedialab
One ticket gives you a whole day of unlimited access to our big digital playground full of games. This year you will use blocks to build a synthesizer, virtually climb a wall with your friends, pilot a submarine, swing along lianas, try to wake a sleeping bear and much more. Every installation in the XL-Medialab is new and full of surprises. That means gaming fun for everyone, from beginning gamers to real pros.
Playing Democracy
INSTALLATION
In this giant version of the legendary Pong game, you explore the principles of democracy. In the interactive installation for four players of all ages, you control the peddles by moving your body. Along the way, you rewrite the rules of the game, and experience the possible downfall of the democratic system. Fun!
→ Ling Tan / United Kingdom / 7’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Ling Tan
Slime Time
VIDEO GAME
In Slime Time, you are the slime! You want to escape from the sewer, but you have to solve some puzzles first.
→ Student LUCA School of Arts: Jamie Van Engelshoven / Belgium / 10’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Jamie Van Engelshoven
Squiggle drop
APP
The answer to the delightful puzzles in this game is always a shape you draw yourself. A king wants a crown? A golf ball needs to go in the hole? You provide the drawing needed—multiple solutions are possible! Being creative is the key.
→ Snickerdoodle Games / Australia / 10’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Aaron Neugebauer (Snickerdoodle Games)
Tiny Glade
VIDEO GAME
Small relaxing game in which you build quaint castles, cozy cottages and romantic ruins. No rules, no competition and no wrong answers. Just sit back and turn forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas.
→ Pounce Light / Sweden / 10’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Pounce Light
Sloppy Forgeries
An artsy race against the clock! Each round, a famous painting is revealed. Try to copy it as quickly and accurately as possible using your mouse. The game compares your result to the original pixel by pixel.
→ Playful Systems / United States / 5’ / 2025
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Jonah Warren (Playful Systems)
Streep
VIDEO GAME
Streep is a calming adventure game in which you are the hero: a pen. As a pen, you have the power to change the paper world. You draw lines to transform the 3D environment, reveal hidden secrets and fend off enemies.
Help! There's a sleeping bear in your tent! Stay calm and follow the camping instructions. Although... are those instructions reliable? You'll have to lure the bear out of your tent on your own before it gets too deep into its hibernation....
→ Marieke van der Burg & Leon van Oldenborgh / The Netherlands / 10’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Leon van Oldenborgh
Climbup
INSTALLATION
Climbup is a crazy four-player climbing game. Each player controls a part of the avatar’s body, either one of the hands or feet. The controller itself is composed of real climbing holds, instead of joysticks and buttons.
→ Emilie Breslavetz / France / 5’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Emilie Breslavetz (Playful Machines)
VIDEO GAME
INSTALLATION
Stack blocks on top of each other to build a synthesizer for a unique soundscape. The color of the blocks reacts to the sound.
→ Julia Makivic / United Kingdom / 5’ / 2025
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Julia Makivic
Non-virtual reality games
INSTALLATION
This is VR without goggles! No visuals, but vibrations and sound bring the game to life in the real world. Free the room from ghosts, and use the vibrations of the controllers to track them down.
→ 3m Jump / Germany / 5’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Lukas Hort (3m Jump)
MonsterPOP
INSTALLATION
Be the star of this exciting mini-film! Choose your enemy and keep the city safe by sliding as many discs into the slots as possible. Conquer all the levels and become the hero of the film.
→ Students Devine: Noor Vandamme & Tiany Maegerman / Belgium / 2’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Tiany Maegerman
Character Design
INSTALLATION
How are characters designed in films and games? Discover the process in the XL-Medialab as you create your own unique character. Sketch, craft in 3D, and draw digitally.
→ JEF ism Deanna Marsigliese (Pixar Animation Studios), Jonathan Absil (DAE), Britt Raes (filmmaker), Post School & Antwerp Libraries / Belgium / 30’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: JEF
CasperChino
VIDEO GAME
Even ghosts need coffee! You awaken and play with gravity as you search for the beans for your morning cup of joe.
→ Student LUCA School of Arts: Johanne Vandorpe / Belgium / 5’ / 2024
→ English spoken, English subtitles
→ Contact: Johanne Vandorpe
The Blob's Adventure
VIDEO GAME
Oh dear, a blob (or rolling ball) accidentally stumbles into a weird new dimension. Find the exit and dodge the obstacles in this simple but unique 2D platformer game.
→ Student LUCA School of Arts: Seppe Dorissen / Belgium / 10’ / 2022
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Seppe Dorissen
The Face Filter Lab
INSTALLATION
Discover how technology and creativity merge with this interactive installation in which your face, or that of your friends, is the canvas! The Face Filter Lab offers an immersive experience during which you can create, test, and bring your own unique AR filters to life.
→ Students Devine: Kemal Isikli, Arne Delie & Hans Maas / Belgium / 5’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Kemal Isikli
Banago
INSTALLATION
Banago is an active game for two players in which one player, as a little monkey, collects as many bananas as possible by swinging on a rope, while the other player must protect the monkey from the animals in the jungle by drumming them away!
→ Students Devine: Britt Van der Wee, Eline De Laere & Kerensa De Winter / Belgium / 3’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Eline De Laere
Focus
INSTALLATION
Ever noticed how hard it is to concentrate with all those notifications and ads on your various devices? In Focus, you try to complete an obstacle course without being distracted by pop-ups.
→ Maxim Dreyfus, Pierre Libner & Ludovic Inial / France / 3’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Henri Morawski (Random Bazar)
The gardens between
Best friends Arina and Frendt end up in a world full of mysterious gardens. They must play with time and find a way through their memories. Wonderful platformer game with riddles and a brilliant soundtrack.
→ The Voxel Agents / Australia / 15’ / 2018
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: The Voxel Agents
Does it stack?
VR
Stack the silliest things on top of each other in this unique tower game with an explosive twist. It may seem absurd, but it is based on real physics!
→ Cybernetic Walrus / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Mike Coeck (Cybernetic Walrus)
Koira
Rescue a puppy and go on a heartwarming, hand-drawn adventure together. Travel to the heart of an enchanted winter forest, solve puzzles and dodge hunters to protect your new friend.
→ Studio TOLIMA / Belgium / 40’ / 2025
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Benjamin Legat (Studio TOLIMA)
VIDEO GAME
Wall town Wonders
VR
A mixed-reality game where you transform the room into a living, breathing town filled with colorful miniature characters. Help them to rebuild their town and unlock lots of unique buildings, characters, and customization options.
→ Cyborn / Belgium / 30’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Ives Agemans (Cyborn)
Book of dreams
Enchanting puzzle adventure within the magical pages of a pop-up book. Unleash your creativity as you fold and move the paper world to unravel the riddles and overcome your fears.
→ Student LUCA School of Arts: Niels Demandt / Belgium / 5’ / 2024
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Niels Demandt
Atelier Arcade
INSTALLATION
Here, you create and play your own game, aided by AI The artificial intelligence is your creative assistant, helping you come up with and execute ideas quickly. But as the player, you remain the mastermind. The installation has two parts. In the first you develop the game, and in the second you can play it.
An absurdly silly adventure full of racing, laughs, and surprises. Roll, jump, fly and sneeze your way to victory! Make your own wacky levels and collect the stamps for your 'license to car'.
→ Triband / Denmark / 5’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Florence Bethuys (Triband)
Operation Deep Watch
INSTALLATION
For this game you design your own submarine, which can change when needed. Travel through dark, mysterious waters and discover hidden aquatic animals. You have to be alert, and photograph the cool creatures. Because the more critters you spot, the faster you complete your mission.
→ Students Devine: Audrey De Vleeschauwer & Jan-Frederik de Graaf / Belgium / 10’ / 2025
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Audrey De Vleeschauwer
A postman's journey
VIDEO GAME
Follow mailman Joseph on his bike tour through the open fields of the Ardennes. But be quick, because something is coming that will change the world. A narrative singleplayer game with real letters from WWII.
→ Student LUCA School of Arts: Tom Dorpmans / Belgium / 15’ / 2024
→ Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Tom Dorpmans
VIDEO GAME
Game
Feel like battling other gamers like a real athlete? Or would you rather be cheering, like during an exciting sports match? Then join us at the Game arena, a blast for every gamer!
Party Animals
VIDEO GAME
Fight your friends but as puppies, kittens or other fluffy creatures. Cute and chaotic party fun!
→ Recreate Games / China / 5’ / 2023
→ English spoken, English Subtitled
→ Contact: Mika Huang (Recreate Games) 7-99y
Gaming in the youth centre
Youth Film Festival Antwerp and Outpost Gamecenters join forces and make sure the Youth Film Festival Antwerp goes on tour to some Antwerp youth centres.
This way, we bring the festival to young people. We provide a set-up of game computers, an exciting programme with competitive games and real game competitions animated by a supervisor.
School screenings
Pebble hill La colline aux cailloux De familie muis
COMPILATION
This soft compilation filled with beautiful colours shows young viewers how everyone differs from one another. With the help of the animals from the forest, they learn what it means to find a home. From the makers of the beautiful Yuku en de Himalayabloem. Two short films will precede the Mouse family.
Birds, squirrels and mice all live in the forest. All different, all unique, but also all together. These sensitive, poetic and light-footed stories show us how that works, living together in nature. Maybe we humans can learn something from that?
→ Different directors / Belgium & France / 50’ / 2023
An abundant compilation to talk about different kinds of fear with toddlers.
Everyone is scared at one point or another, right? The kids in teacher Mo's class certainly are. Of the hairdresser for instance, or of swim class, or of making a fool out of themselves in class. In this six-part compilation, we meet a class full of toddlers and their biggest fears. But most of all we discover that a playful solution exists for every fear!
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 47’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
Tree of worry Knuffelboom
Kyona is worried that she won’t make friends in her new school. She entrusts her worries to a big tree.
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Nailed it Spijkerbroer
A boy goes to the hairdresser for the first time, but can he sit still?
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
A monster under my bed Spullenmonster
The toys that a girl shoved under her bed turn into a monster.
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Lucky charm Voetbalketting
Will Jairo’s lucky charm do the trick when he has to read out loud in class?
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Swimming game Zwemspelletje
Alisa is afraid of swimming through the hoop, but then she thinks of a game she always plays.
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 8’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
School trip Schoolreisje
A girl is made fun of for pretending to be a knight, but her heroism comes in handy when she sees a boy who is getting bullied.
→ Elisabeth Hesemans / The Netherlands / 7’ / 2021
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
EARCATCH
Picnic with cake and other stories
Picknick met taart en andere verhalen
COMPILATION
The best picture books come to life on the big screen—from Fox & Hare to The Fantastic Flying Competition
This collection of short films is ideal for inspiring preschoolers during Youth Book Month, Read Aloud Week or any other day. Wonderful animated stories tailored to your preschool class.
Four short films based on renowned picture books: De fantastische vliegwedstrijd by Tjibbe Veldkamp, Wat zit er in die kist by Pieter Gaudesaboos, Vos & haas by Sylvia Vanden Heede and Picknick met taart by Thé Tjong-King.
→ → Different directors / Different countries / 51’ / 2012-2023
→ → Dutch spoken, no subtitles
The fantastic flying competition
De fantastische vliegwedstrijd
Welcome to the fantastic bird flying competition! Ten teams take off. But during the race, one by one the participants run into trouble. Team Flamingo doesn't get off the ground, Team Hawk leaves the plane with the ejection seats, and Team Ostrich Penguin crashes! What is going on here? And why is Team Chicken the only one not getting into trouble? Based on the book De fantastische vliegwedstrijd by Tjibbe Veldkamp.
→ John Croezen / The Netherlands / 6’ / 2022
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Anneleen Naudts (Dalton)
Fox & hare Vos & haas
Cheerful stop-motion about the wacky forest friends Fox, Hare, Owl and Ever. Based on the popular books by Sylvia Vanden Heede and Thé Tjong-Khing.
→ Mascha Halberstad & Tom Van Gestel / Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands / 12’ / 2019
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Anneleen Naudts (Dalton)
What's in the box?
Wat zit er in die kist?
A story about a pilot, a captain, a machinist, a driver, a mailman, a girl ... and a box. What's inside the giant box the pilot brought back from a country far away? Based on the picture book by Pieter Gaudesaboos.
→ Bram Algoed / Belgium / 10’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Anneleen Naudts (Dalton)
Picnic
with cake
Picknick met taart
Together with a motley animal company and two beautiful cakes, Mr. and Mrs. Dog set off for a cozy picnic. But then something unexpected happens... Based on the famous book by Thé Tjong-Khing.
→ Mascha Halberstad & Tom Van Gestel / Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands / 23’ / 2012
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Anneleen Naudts (Dalton)
Rosa and the Stone Troll
Rosa, de kleine bloemenfee
Imaginative and brightly colored animated film that shows young students how good friends challenge each other and bring out the best in each other. Flower Fairy Rosa lives in a beautiful natural world full of fantastic creatures. But Rosa is insecure and afraid. She would prefer to stay in her rose
bush forever, although she is very lonely there... One day Rosa meets the adventurous butterfly Silke. Despite their different characters, they immediately become good friends. When a vicious Stone Troll kidnaps Silke, Rosa must overcome her fears! She sets off on a dangerous journey to rescue Silke.
→ Karla Nor Holmbäck / Denmark / 75’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Fox and Hare save the forest
Vos en Haas redden het bos
EARCATCH
The very first feature film about best friends Fox and Hare was a huge success in theaters. And now you can watch it (again) at our festival! All your favorites from the hit Ketnet series play a role in this humorous film adaptation of the book of the same name by Sylvia Vanden Heede and Thé Tjong-Khing. A not-to-be-missed adventure for young and old. With great songs and spectacularly funny Flemish voices!
→ Check page 21 for everything on Fox and Hare save the forest.
SUBCATCH
A film full of crazy, colourful characters that challenges us to look differently at grief and coping. In this rollercoaster of emotions, cute little monkeys are the ultimate charm factor that makes a serious topic easily digestible.
One day, eleven-year-old Frank finds a real monkey in the garden. He calls his new friend Monkey. The arrival of the monkey brings a lot of excitement and fun, but also revives a silent sadness. It's not long before Frank realises that Monkey didn't end up in their garden by accident. The quest for answers plunges this family into a touching adventure thet takes them deep into the jungle of Thailand.
→ Maria Blom / Sweden / 86’ / 2017
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Sirocco and the kingdom of the winds
Sirocco et le royaume des courants d’air
Sirocco en het koninkrijk van de wind
Wonderful animated film with echoes of Spirited Away and Alice in Wonderland. A compelling story about two brave sisters approaches themes of family, grief and growing up in an enchanting and philosophical way.
The two fearless sisters Juliette and Carmen accidentally end up in the world from their favourite book. They turn into cats and are separated from
each other. With the help of singer Selma, they try to find their way back. Will the sisters meet Sirocco? Is this wizard as terrifying as he is in the book? And most importantly, will they ever get home again?
→ Benoît Chieux / Belgium & France / 80’ / 2023
→ Flemish spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
New tales of Franz Neue Geschichten
vom Franz
Stoere Frans en de gestolen juwelen
What's more fun than going out with your friends? Hit the road with the friends of Tough Frans in this comedy full of misunderstandings and engaging characters! Get your pupils thinking about friendship, arguments and reconciliation in a comical and smooth way.
Likeable ‘tough’ Frans invents an excuse to reconcile his quarrelling best friends. Together, they end up in an exciting but mostly hilarious investigation into an alleged jewel thief.
→ Johannes Schmid / Austria & Germany / 72’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Robot dreams
Adorable and playful animated film full of catchy music. The wide variety of animals playfully reflects the diversity in a city, and the surprising story makes themes such as friendship
and loneliness discussable in class. Because the animated film has no dialogue, it is also suitable for OKAN classes of different ages.
In 1980s Manhattan, a dog named Dog orders a robot to fight his loneliness. They immediately become best buddies but after a day at the beach, they lose each other. Dog tries everything to find his friend again, while Robot dreams about their time together.
→ Pablo Berger / France & Spain / 96’ / 2023
→ No dialogue
→ Contact: Julie Vanderkelen (Cinéart)
My robot brother Robotbroer
Hopeful science fiction film with an upbeat and relatable story. Full of interesting questions about the dangers and benefits of technology, as well as peer pressure and teenage problems.
12-year-old Alberte thinks life at school is just stupid. Her old robot Robbi constantly embarrasses her. The perfect birthday present—the latest super robot—seems to change everything. Robot Konrad acts like a human and looks perfect. Suddenly, Alberte becomes super popular.
→ Frederik Meldal Nørgaard / Denmark / 84’ / 2022
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Totem
EARCATCH
A valuable entry point to work around fleeing, newcomers, illegality and finding your roots.
A giant porcupine comes to the rescue of a girl in this imaginative thriller and refugee drama all in one.
It took four years to film an animal that is almost impossible to capture on camera. The result? A magnificent glimpse into the secret life of a legendary creature. For all students who love nature and fairy tales.
Dirk Draulans tells the stunning story of the wolf's return to the Low Countries. After disappearing from the Low Countries for more than a century, “the big bad wolf” is now back. But is he really so big and so bad? This fascinating nature film takes you through the life of young wolf Scout and shows that the wolf is much more than a fairy-tale predator to be feared.
A great crowpleaser about falling in love, staying true to yourself and dancing, dancing, dancing!
Mina really wants to fit in with the cool kids in school. And she most certainly want sto impress the popular hip hop dancer E.D.Win. With the help of her headstrong granny, Mina challenges herself to compete in a dance contest. Through the rehearsals, audition and the smashing final show, Mina learns to love herself.
→ Aurora Gossé / Norway / 92’ / 2023
→ Norwegian spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Ket & Doc 2025
COMPILATION
Every year, VAF, Ketnet and JEF support the production of five documentaries for children. You will see them for the first time at Youth Film Festival Antwerp!
→ Different directors / Belgium / 75’ / 2025
→ Flemish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Check page 27 for everything on Ket & Doc 2025.
My Dad Is a Sausage Mijn vader is een saucisse
EARCATCH
This sensitive Belgian comedy is a true father-daughter-buddy film. Director Anouk Fortunier finds exactly the right tone, filled with humour and understanding, with the help of some great actors (such as Johan Heldenbergh and Hilde De Baerdemaeker).
Zoë is best buds with her dad. But when her dad decides to give up his job as a banker and become an actor, that's when the fighting starts. Zoë is the only one who keeps believing in her dad's dream. Maybe he truly can become a great actor, and maybe she can help him achieve that goal, but for the moment his role remains limited to walking around in a silly costume.
The Zigzag Kid, a stylistic reminder of the fifties and sixties, is yet another quality film by producer Burny Bos. The Flemisch director Vincent Bal, who made his sparkling debut eleven years ago with 'Miss Minoes', raises the bar yet again. He's a man of detail and that ensures that everything makes sense in a film where four languages are spoken. The search for one's identity was never so excitingly visualized, a true James Bond (with content) tailored to a young audience! After the award-winning book of David Grossman, one of Israel's most famous authors.
The Zigzag Kid tells the story of 13-year-old Nono. His mother died when he was only one. His father, inspector Feierberg, is 'the best police inspector in the world'. Nono tries his best to be like him, but keeps getting into trouble. That's why, two days before his bar mitzvah, his father sends him to his uncle Sjmoel to grow up. On the train, Nono stumbles upon a mysterious assignment: it's his last chance to prove himself. Together with master crime lord Felix Glick he goes to the French Riviera on a hunt for the truth about his mom. Will he discover what her secret is before his dad tracks him down?
→ Vincent Bal / The Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Spain & France / 95’ / 2012
→ English & Dutch spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Thabo and the rhino case
Thabo
- Das Nashornabenteuer Thabo
en de neushoornzaak
Charming detective film set in a wonderful African nature reserve, with a courageous main character. The relevant message about the importance of conservation is the icing on the cake! Thabo and the Rhino Case won the award for Best Film from the Children's Jury at the Antwerp Youth Film Festival 2024. Thabo wants nothing more than to become a private detective, just like in the movies. But in the small African village where he lives, nothing exciting ever happens. Then Thabo's uncle is suspected of killing a rhino. So Thabo and his new girlfriend Emma not only have to look after the abandoned rhino calf, they also have to catch the real culprits as soon as possible!
→ Mara Eibl-Eibesfeldt / Germany / 96’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
Lioness Leeuwin
Airy coming-of-age film full of team spirit. This inspiring story about an outsider in a girl football team is so catchy that it will spontaneously draw in pupils. Afterwards, it provides a venture point to talk to them about sports, gender roles, friendship or saying goodbye.
Rosie Leeuwin is fourteen and has been living in Suriname her whole life. When she suddenly has to move to the Netherlands, the cultural shock is huge. Luckily she quickly leaves an impression at school using her football skills. During the preparation of a tournament, Rosi learns all about team spirit and friendship, but also about herself.
→ Raymond Grimbergen / The Netherlands / 85’ / 2023
→ Dutch spoken, no subtitles
→ Contact: Alexandra Van Damme (WW Entertainment)
Neneh superstar
Whether your dreams come true does not only depend on your perfect pirouette but also your starting point. This is also what the enthusiastic and explosive Neneh discovers when she has to overcome racism and prejudice in the ballet world. A not to be missed update of “Billy Elliot,” thanks to the energetic superstar in the main role, the beautiful dance scenes, and the positive message that should be heard by everyone.
Twelve-year-old Neneh was born to dance. Her dreams come true when she is accepted into the prestigious Paris Ballet School. But suddenly she notices how different she is from the other dancers—from her background to her appearance. She fights to be accepted,
→ Ramzi Ben Sliman / France / 95’ / 2023
→ French spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Liza Brandt (JEF)
EARCATCH
SUBCATCH
EARCATCH
Together with a charismatic main character, your students will explore the differences between rich and poor, the importance of friendship and self-expression and all the things we do to 'belong'.
Zeki is fourteen and moves with his dad from Rotterdam to a posh gated community in Istanbul. But Zeki is bored within the walls of his villa. As a freerunner he explores the city and makes friends with youngsters from poorer neighbourhoods. Trying to fit in, he starts pickpocketing and tries to keep his privileged life hidden.
→ Mete Gümürhan / Turkey, the Netherlands & Belgium / 82’ / 2023
→ Turkish spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Sietz van der Aa (Gusto)
Sisterhood
In her moving debut film, director Nora El Hourch depicts the Parisian suburbs as a dynamic place full of energetic young people. She subtly but effectively addresses cultural differences and the potential dangers of social media. The girls' diverse choices provide an engaging starting point for classroom debate. A wonderful tribute to friendships that transcend disagreements.
Three friends face public outrage when they spread a video on social media revealing the identity of an attacker.
→ Nora El Hourch / France & Morocco / 101’ / 2023
→ French spoken, Dutch subtitles
→ Contact: Benny Haesebrouck (MOOOV)
The mind game
Afghan Sajid's personal journey forms the basis of this intimate documentary. His challenging itinerary is elaborated like a road movie and gives an incredibly strong picture of what it means to be a young refugee. With its mix of smartphone footage and interviews, this documentary will undoubtedly move and engage your students.
They call it ‘the game’, the life-threatening journey many unaccompanied minors take in search of protection in Western Europe. For Sajid Khan Nasiri, the game began after the Taliban killed his father. Via Iran, Turkey and Eastern Europe, the 14-year-old is getting closer and closer to his final destination. He documents his journey with his phone and reports back to filmmakers Eefje Blankevoort and Els van Driel. Once in Belgium, he hopes to build a future, but faces mistrust and bad news from the home front.
→ Sajid Khan Nasiri, Eefje Blankevoort & Els van Driel / Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Netherlands & Romania / 61’ / 2023
→ Dari, English & Dutch spoken, Dutch & French subtitles
→ Contact: Rik Loens (Bevrijdingsfilms)
Triangle of Sadness
When the sailors of a luxury cruise get stranded on an island, relationships turn upside down. This acclaimed hilarious satire on class differences will make your pupils chuckle as well as think about influencers, wealth, identity and inequality.
Carl and Yaya are invited on a luxury cruise. But then the ship sinks and the couple ends up on an island, along with
the surviving billionaires and a cleaning lady. In the struggle for survival, the hierarchy turns upside down.
JEF wants to give all kids the opportunity to experience Youth Film Festival Antwerp. That’s why we stream short and feature films selected from the participating countries, so kids with limited mobility can enjoy them from the comforts of their bed. Accompanying every film, they can watch and/or play a variety of extras. Every short film in the competition can win an award on this platform. The children can rate every short film and the one rated the highest wins the Film in hospital award.
A project of JEF in cooperation with Croatian Kids meet Art, Swedish BUFF International Children and Young People's Festival, the Italian Il Nuovo Fantarca, the Spanish Packmagic, the Slovenian Kinodvor, the Greek Neaniko Plano and the German Schlingel Film Festival, AZ Sint Lucas Gent, AZ West Veurne, ZAS UKJA (Universitaire Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie Antwerpen), AZ Vesalius, AZ Sint-Maria, AZ Delta, AZ Klina, ZNA Paola Ziekenhuis, Algemeen ziekenhuis Groeninge, Sint-Andriesziekenhuis, AZ Voorkempen, AZ Sint-Lucas Brugge, Sint-Trudo Ziekenhuis, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven, Bednet, vzw Kleine tijger and the support of the European Commission.
The online platform consists of a curated selection of over 60 films. The 10 films below are in competition for the Film in hospital award
Sparrows
Industry program
You can find everything you need to know about participating in the professional events at jeugdfilmfestivalantwerpen.be/en/industry
20/02
Dig it up
At a time when technology touches every corner of our lives, cultural education is changing with it. During this study day, you will dive into the world of digital cultural education, where creativity and technology merge. This year's focus is also on STE(A)M education. That means science, technology, art and maybe even a touch of math—all in the mix!
→ Dig It Up is a collaboration between Mediawijs, JEF, De Ambrassade, Publiq, VVBAD FARO and VLAIO
27/02
Exhibitor’s day
JEF organises its annual screening day at Youth Film Festival Antwerp.
In the morning, Nic Balthazar will give a keynote on the positive impact of film on society. In the afternoon, JEF will present its brand-new offerings and you can watch a new youth film for the first time. Meanwhile you can soak up the festival atmosphere, experiment in the XL-Medialab and play with our latest installations.
27/02
GameStorm IV - Play & Connect
For the fourth year in a row, we bring together creative professionals from the game and film industry during a Gamestorm, on the eve of the Antwerp Youth Film Festival. We unleash our inner child in the XL-Medialab, full of new games, installations, Virtual Reality and other audiovisual experiments. We conclude with drinks, an informal show & tell and networking opportunities.
→ GameStorm is an initiative of Poppins & Wayne, Antwerp Powered By Creatives, VAF Gamefonds & JEF
06/03
Children’s pitches
Eight exclusively selected projects (in scenario phase) will be presented to a panel of children. Sitting together with a young focus group grants the makers a unique insight into their own story.
06/03
WANDA Talk: Dreaming of more youth film production in Flander
Children are also a target audience! The WANDA Talks at the Youth Film Festival Antwerp are an annual plea for inclusion and representation in the film world. If we demand attention for every target group, this year we plead especially for the one we know best: the young audience. Are children getting enough attention within Flemish production? Is there enough production? Are we willing to invest to give children and young people their rightful place within Flemish cinema?
During the WANDA Talk, we take stock: Where are we now in terms of production for young audiences? Where do we dream to be in the future? What is needed for that? And can you still represent the voice of youth if you cannot offer them enough content of their own? Featuring as a speaker Lotte Bronshoff (Netherlands Film Fund) and more.
→ This talk is a collaboration of WANDA & JEF, with support from deAuteurs and de Creative Europe MEDIA Desk – Vlaanderen
Practical information
Accessibility
We make the festival as accessible as possible. Most of the festival locations are wheelchair accessible. These are clearly marked with an icon on our website.
For some films the Subcatch app (for deaf and hard of hearing people) and the Earcatch app (for blind and visually impaired people) are available. This is always mentioned on the website.
Detailed information on accessibility can be found on our website at 'Practical > Locations and directions'. If you still have questions, please contact us or the festival venue by email.
Locations Antwerp / Antwerpen
ZUIDERPERSHUIS
WAALSEKAAI 14
2000 ANTWERP
LUMIÈRE ANTWERPEN LAKENSTRAAT 14
2000 ANTWERP
CINEMA CARTOON’S KAASSTRAAT 4
2000 ANTWERP
DE CINEMA
MAARSCHALK GERARDSTRAAT 4
2000 ANTWERP
KINEPOLIS
GROENENDAALLAAN 394
2030 ANTWERP
CINEMA RIX DE GRYSPEERSTRAAT 86 2100 DEURNE
SCHOUWBURG DE KERN KERN 18 2610 WILRIJK
HETPALEIS
MEISTRAAT 2
2000 ANTWERP
MAS / MUSEUM AAN DE STROOM HANZESTEDENPLAATS 1
2000 ANTWERP
HET BOS
ANKERRUI 5-7
2000 ANTWERP
JEUGDCENTRUM VIZIT
HEISTRAAT 34A
2610 ANTWERPEN
HABBEKRATS ANTWERPEN PREKERSSTRAAT 14
2000 ANTWERPEN
Bruges / Brugge
CINEMA LUMIÈRE BRUGGE / DE REPUBLIEK
SINT-JAKOBSSTRAAT 36 8000 BRUGES
STEDELIJK CONSERVATORIUM BRUGGE (HOF VAN GISTEL) NAALDENSTRAAT 7 8000 BRUGES
CULTUURCENTRUM DE SPIL HIPPOLIET SPILLEBOUTDREEF 1 8800 ROESELARE
Hamme
CULTUREEL CENTRUM JAN TERVAERT KAAIPLEIN 34 9220 HAMME Contact
T. +32 (0)3 303 43 10 M. festival@jeugdfilm.be @jeugdfilmfestival @jeugdfilmfestival_ @jeugdfilmfestival
jeugdfilmfestivalantwerpen.be
Visit our website for more information about festival films, trailers, reports, news, videos, pictures, or last-minute guests
About the festival & JEF
The non-profit organisation JEF is behind the organisation of the festival:
Youth Film FestivalAntwerp is a magicalplace where stories are always around the corner. You will find them in wonderfulfilms,experience themthrough crazy games or create themyourselfduringexciting workshops.Whatstories willyou takehomewithyou?
In addition to the festival:
→ JEF brings quality children's and youth films to Flemish theatres and streaming platforms as a distributor.
→ JEF develops lesson packs, educational material, workshops and training under the banner JEF with the class.
→ JEF stimulates film and game literacy among children and young people with projects such as Film in hospital, Les in beeld, Ket & Doc and Focus French Film.
JEF’S MISSION
A diverse range of youth films broadens the perspective of children and young people. This offers them opportunities to better determine the world they want to live in. That is why JEF makes youth film available to exhibitors and ensures visibility and accessibility to a wide and diverse audience, at schools and in leisure time.
Due to its active role in network organisations, JEF is the youth film contact for policy makers and the (inter)national film industry. At JEF, children and young people find a place to create, experience and critically review film together. For and by youngsters is one of the central mottos throughout the JEF organisation.
WHAT IS A JEF FILM?
JEF is the guide for high-quality children’s films. JEF’s interpretation of the word “high-quality” includes the following:
We provide films for all ages: from toddlers to teenagers and young adults. This does not mean that our films are only interesting for children. It is important to JEF that everyone can enjoy our films, both young and old.
We do not want to patronise children. They can also handle topics that the mainstream culture and media barely deal with. To us, children’s films are not only films that are initially meant for young people, but in particular films that will be interesting for a young audience without age limit.
We are constantly looking for a great diversity in genres, formats, themes and styles that will surprise and challenge this wide-ranging target audience. Despite the fact that the variety of our films depends highly on international production, we are still striving for a balance between animation and live action, fiction and documentary, drama and comedy, short film and feature film...
In addition, it is important to us that not only our films are varied, but that they also appeal to a diverse audience.
We look for films with relevant and current topics that are in line with the daily experience of a diverse audience, topics that broaden their world view and give the audience the opportunity to decide what world they want to live in. Films that deal with original topics are refreshing to us. We select films that preferably avoid stereotypes and that aim for sufficient gender diversity, both for the characters and for the creators.
The selection of our films always complements or reinforces the market: we bring films to an audience with the goal to broaden the existing supply on the market. We also support films from other distributors that fit into our vision, by bringing them to a broader audience through a deepening film experience.
We strongly focus on offering and programming European films. However, we also like to keep up with the productions of other continents. By means of our international network and thorough market prospection we stay on top of things.
We are looking for films with a trademark from the author: to us, the desire to make the film, the authenticity and the craftsmanship of the film maker outweigh the commercial potential or the size of the production. For these reasons, we closely follow the path of some filmmakers that we want to keep connecting to our organisation. Especially Flemish film makers who engage in making films for a young target audience. In this way we lay the foundations for a tradition that we can keep building on.
JEF’S FILM AND GAME LITERACY: THE MODEL
JEF uses film and games to awaken the critical, cultural, creative and socio-emotional competencies of children and young people. These compentencies are important, especially in our mediatized and image-oriented society. We bundle our vision on this in our model Film and game literacy.
GAMELITERACY
F I LM &
With this model we want to inspire you. It gives you insight into how we work and hands you tools to stimulate film and game literacy in children and young people—as a teacher, parent or supervisor in youth work. In this way you can build together with JEF on the creative and resilient attitude of children and young people.
WHY?
Media are woven in your everyday lives. We use media to learn, to work, to play, to communicate and to relax. Accourding to communications scientist Mark Deuze, we therefore not live with, but in media.
Our mediatised society provides a continuous stream of images. These images come our way via broadcasters and algorithms. But we are not only consumers of images. Today, everyone carries around a camera and can create media.
This relatively new situation creates challenges in the education of younger generations. Not only to fortify them against the dangers of these media. But especially to explore how they can relate to these media in a positive, healthy and creative way.
How can we encourage children and young people to consciously consume and create media, telling relevant and beautiful stories about themselves and the world?
FOCUS ON FILM & GAMES
JEF once started with a focus on film literacy, but we are now expanding this to games as well. After all, film and games share the unique and powerful combination of moving image, sound and language.
→ Film and games are forms of art, but are also used in entertainment, journalism and social media.
→ Both media share many techniques in the production process.
→ They both have a great impact on the recipient. They hold up a mirror and can lead to greater understanding and empathy. They can guide our view and form opinions. Therefore, it is important to teach a healthy critical attitude.
JEF focuses on film and games in various appearances and genres.
Film: live action, documentary, animated film, vlog, propaganda, VR film, etc.
Game: platformer, puzzle, VR game, action, strategy, RPG, co-op, etc.
HOW DOES JEF WORK TO SELECT AND PROGRAM GAMES?
The model focuses on five elements of film and games:
THE STORY.
What is it about? What is the creator's view of the subject? Who are the characters? In what sociocultural, historical or political setting is this film set?
THE CINEMATIC IMAGERY.
How do I interpret this scene? What is the visual style? What do the graphics look like? What impact does the editing or any cutscenes have on the viewer? What significance does the use of color take on? Does the consistency of cinematic choices convey a particular vision?
THE PROCESS.
Who is on the set? What tasks are to be divided? What happens after shooting? What steps must I take to make a game or film? How will the film/game be distributed? Where can I find interesting films/games?
THE TECHNIQUES.
How are visual effects created? How do you handle a camera? How does the stop-motion animation technique work? How is the gameplay? How is the code of the game written? How is the audio put together?
THE INTERACTION.
How do you interact with other players or with the virtual world? Do you experience the game from first-person, second-person, third-person, top-down or isometric? How do you experience the movie?
FILM MODE AND GAME MODE COMPETENCIES
Games and films hold up a mirror through which we look at ourselves, each other and the world. They are powerful media that guide and expand our view. They challenge us to be critical and resilient and stimulate our creativity. For example, they can even encourage us to make our own films or games.
In short, with film and games, JEF works on four types of competencies:
1. CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
❶ You appreciate films and games as forms of art and communicate media, and you can analyze them according to content and technical components.
❷ You can reflect on the vision of the creator, and you can test this against your own frame of reference.
❸ You reflect on the impact that certain technical choices have on the viewer/gamer.
❹ You know where to find and consult legal films and games.
❺ You can give a personal and well-founded opinion about a film or a game, and you are open to the opinions of others.
2. CREATIVE COMPETENCIES
❶ You gain insight into visual language and learn to master it.
❷ You can develop your own ideas. You can make expressive, creative and problem-solving choices.
❸ You know the production process of films and games, and apply it in practice.
❹ You share knowledge so that you can make/play a film or game together.
❺ You dare to experiment with different tools to make a film or game.
3. CULTURAL COMPETENCIES
❶ You are open to different forms and genres, and you can choose from them.
❷ You develop greater cultural awareness by being open to the specific cultural context of the film/ game, and you gain knowledge about these themes.
❸ You increase your empathy with an open attitude, and you can be touched by the film or game.
❹ You can articulate your own context and cultural background in relation to that of the film and/or game.
❺ You are open to and you can relate to other people's reflections on the film and game.
4. SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES
❶ You develop your socio-emotional skills (e.g. listening, negotiating, planning, persuading, motivating, ...).
❷ You can cooperate, communicate and make connections with others (online and offline).
❸ You share your knowledge with others and you listen to others.
❹ You can express the emotions that the film/game evokes, and you can reflect on this.
❺ You can share your own film/game in a media savvy way.
CONCLUSION
JEF thus wants to use film and games to stimulate competences that enable children and young people
→ to look critically and reflect
→ to shape their own ideas visually and creatively
→ to be aware of the cultural context
→ and to sharpen their social-emotional skills.
Calendars
Guests
Nominated
Selection young programmers
Antwerp / Antwerpen
LUMIÈRE ANTWERPEN
Muzikale mini's (1,5+) + Mini-medialab
mini's (1,5+) + Mini-medialab
Kleine avonturen (1,5+) + Mini-medialab Kleine avonturen (1,5+) + Mini-medialab
maken met AI (9→12j)
(6+) Hanna en de monstervriendjes (4+)
Victor Vleermuis (6+) ����
VR-cinema: Ontdek Soda Island (9+)
VR-cinema: Te land,
5 daagse (7→9j)
(9→12j)
Ontdek Soda Island (9+)
Ontdek Soda Island (9+)
Kleine avonturen (1,5+) + Mini-medialab Kleine avonturen (1,5+) + Mini-medialab Muzikale mini's (1,5+) + Mini-medialab Muzikale mini's (1,5+) + Mini-medialab
Workshop Gamejam (9→12j)
XL-Medialab (6+) Wat een dag (9+) ���� Door dik en dun (8+) ���� ����
Filmconcert: De berin en de vogel (4+) ����
VR-cinema: Ontdek Soda Island (9+)
VR-cinema: Te land, ter zee en in de lucht (9+)
VR-cinema: Ontdek Soda Island (9+) VR-cinema: Ontdek Soda Island (9+)
Te land, ter zee en in de lucht (9+) Hola Frida! (6+)
Victor Vleermuis (6+) ���� ���� Ridder Muis (4+) Deep sea (10+)
Wow! Een bericht uit de ruimte (6+) Flow (7+)
Door dik en dun (8+) ����
Filmconcert: De berin en de vogel (4+) Donald Duck (3+) ����
A boat in the garden (9+) ���� Briljante geesten (6+) Samia (12+) ����(tot 21:42)
Leuven
SAT 01/03
SUN 02/03
CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
CINEMA ZED STUK
MON 03/03 CINEMA ZED VESALIUS V
TUE 04/03
CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
WED 05/03 CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
THU 06/03
CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
FRI 07/03
SAT 08/03 CINEMA ZED VESALIUS SUN 09/03 CINEMA ZED VESALIUS
Kortrijk
Deep sea (10+) De ijsbeerprins (6+) Muzikale mini's (1,5+) Wow! Een bericht uit de ruimte (6+) Helpende handen (3+) Ridder Muis (4+) Diplodocus (6+)
Filmconcert: De berin en de vogel (4+) ���� Red de jungle (8+) Victor Vleermuis (6+) ���� Hanna en de monstervriendjes (4+) Een nieuwe vriend voor Dikkie Dik (2+) ����
Tim Verschure (Fabrique Fantastique) → tim.verschure@fabriquefantastique.be
Tom Dorpmans → tomdorpmans.production@gmail.com
Ursula van den Heuvel (Kaboom Distribution) → ursula@kaboomfestival.nl
Vivien Vande Kerckhove (O'Brother Distribution) → vivien@obrother.be
Colophon
Festival office
Timmerwerfstraat 40
2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
+32 (0)3 303 43 13
JEF team
Alice Goezu, Catho Van Coillie, Elfi De Vos, Florette Hoogstad, Gert Hermans, Iris Verhoeven, Ivan Van Asch, Jade van der Moere, Janne Termonia, Jente De Bruyne, Karo Guetens, Karolien Van Helden, Kevin De Ridder, Laura De Bruyn, Liza Brandt, Loes Welkenhuysen, Marie Keustermans, Marjolein Fransen, Michiel Vanden Abeele, Mirjam Bromundt, Tine Robberecht and Sven Spur
Interns
Andreas Cuypers, Arne Neels, Beatta Parkhomenko, Birte Recour, Cato Coppens, Chiel Orens, Emma Vingerhoets, Fien Reynaert, Guus Notebaert, Hannah Matthys, Ine Maris, Ine Vermander, Lies Brackeva, Lotte Engels, Manon Vandenameele, Maria Roudenko, Mariam Grigoryan, Marieke Meeus, Maya Dooms, Niki Kestelle, Rens Doom, Robbe Cappaert, Roos Schoorel, Sam Vercauteren, Sara Gasana, Selin Kilic, Shaun Rosbach, Sheri Novas, Wim Brouwers and Yana Mertens
Executive board members
Filip Baeyens, Geert Torfs, Geert Vandermeersche, Jill Vanparys, Kasper Geeroms, Katelijne Morreel, Laetitia Nsiona, Les Van Stappen, Mieke Vanderhaeghen, Monique Ruinen, Sofie Wanten, Steven Duyver, Tine Van Kerkhoven, Tom Van de Velde and Wout Vandersteene
Volunteers
Adeel Huyse, Alyx Vanhoof, Andreas Delabie, Anouk Bachot, Ans Van Geel, Arune Moeskops Plichart, Britt Demeulemeester, Camille De Keyser, Camille Vermeire, Caroline Vermeulen, Chloe D'Hooge, Elife Duman, Eline Van De Weyer, Emma Van Avermaet, Fien Sleeckx, Fleur Debusschere, Gijs Suy, Gloria Piedfort, Hava Masaeva, Inna Cordy, Kamyab Heydari, Kyria Van Gasse, Laurelu Lauwers, Lauren Peeters, Lotte De Broyer, Merel Loos, Nisha Brown, Nore De Belder, Rienske Marcxk, Roos Schoorel, Sam Verellen, Sofie Moortgat, Timothy Persoon, Toon Vandenberghe, Victor Van Moer, Viktor Stuyck, Vito Pastoors and Yenthe Geudens
Student workers
Achmed Jamali, Amin Boukichou, Cas Vermeiren, Casper Emmerechts, Dante Beyens, Elias De Creus, Emmanuela Ayim, Fatima Bouhafa, Jasper Kerckhof, Julie-Anne Van der steen, Lana Haast, Leon Leudy de Jesus Figueroa De, Lewis De Cooman, Maïmouna Jalloh, Marie Smits, Maya Boel, Merel Loos, Mohamed-Jan Jalloh, Nelle Wuyts, Nina Van Den Block, Noor Welkenhuysen, Pili Navarro Verhoeven, Ravinder Naipal, Rosa Cleiren, Salma Azeroual, Sebastian Dehond, Tristan Navarro Verhoeven, Tuur Kerckhof and Vince Fredeus
Subsidiaries
VAF (Flemish Audiovisual Fund), City of Antwerp, Creative Europe MEDIA, Flemish Government, City of Bruges, City of Ghent and Ghent culture.
Sponsors
Tentoo, Creative Europe MEDIA desk, Outpost Gamecenters, Filmtechniek, Hotel O and De Auteurs
Media partners
De Standaard and Knack Focus
Partners & logistical support
Zuiderpershuis, Lumière Antwerpen, Schouwburg De Kern, Cinema Rix, Cinema Cartoon’s, De Cinema, Kinepolis Antwerpen, hetpaleis, MAS/Museum aan de stroom, Het Bos, Point of U, Lumière Brugge, De Republiek, Stedelijk Conservatorium Brugge, Sphinx cinema, Studio Skoop, Cine Rio/De Koer, KOPERGIETERY Rabot, Kunstencentrum BUDA, Cultuurcentrum De Spil, Cinema ZED, Cultuurhuis Jan Tervaert, ECFA, Bednet, Mediawijs, Publiq, De Ambrassade, VVBAD, FARO, Poppins & Wayne, VLAIO, APBC, UiTPAS Gent, JADA events, Wanda, GLUON Educatie and GameHive.
Scenography
Reinout Hiel
Translations and subtitling
Niki Proost, Lies Brackeva, Maria Roudenko and Sara Gasana
