Nienke Korthof

Ik zeg je eerlijk

With verve and humour, teacher Peter van Maaren, a gay man converted to Islam, gives workshops about sexual and religious diversity to his pupils in primary and secondary schools. Without judgement and exploring their language, he opens sensitive topics up for discussion, triggering disarming and often confronting debates in class. But how do the pupils react when Peter tells them about his private life? Documentary about the importance of conducting safe and open discussions at school about subjects that some people consider taboo.

De nachtwaker

Janneke has been working as a volunteer in palliative terminal care for over twenty years, both in the hospice and in people's homes. In The Night Watchman we see Janneke both in her daily life and while waking. Scenes in which surprising parallels and paradoxes show Janneke's position in her life and how they seem to embrace death at first sight.

The Border Crossed Us

With a visual style that alternates between intimate verité moments, meditative reflection and suspenseful sequences, the film tells the story of Chief Ramon Gonzalez, detective Manuel Casas and officer Mayra Garza, as they navigate the complexities of their existence on the US/Mexican border.

They and Them

At the age of 15, can you know if you ever want to conceive or give birth to a child? The team coordinator at the gender clinic in the Dutch city of Zaandam is doubtful. And yet this is one of the questions he asks the young people who register for psychological guidance. A fellow psychologist trusts that young people know what is good for them. He is a trans man and one of the experts by experience who work at the clinic. The use of language, already such a sensitive instrument, proves to be more complex than some expect. There are those who see it as unnecessary to mention your pronouns when you introduce yourself, but the majority are in favor. Director Ingrid Kamerling switches smoothly between observation and interviews. Above all, there is a sense of the need to equip young people and their parents as well as possible for the emotional journey of drastic change that lies ahead of them.

Mama

A feature documentary about a self chosen family living in Rotterdam. At the head of the family is mother and dragqueen Ma'MaQueen, who has created a safe haven for her six ‘drag children,’ not all of whom can count on understanding from their biological family. Together they find support, security and a home in which fantasy becomes reality.

Shabu

Fourteen-year-old Shabu is a good-natured, creative, and street-smart boy from the south of Rotterdam. When he wrecks his grandmother’s car on a joyride, his whole family is angry with him. He has a summer to make amends before his grandmother returns from a vacation in Suriname.

When Forever Dies

An archival fiction feature about the eternal battle of the sexes, in which two star-crossed lovers trapped in a kingdom of shadows fight to keep their love alive as they gradually fall in hate. Their names are Forever Man and Forever Woman. They are embodied by actors and actresses from long-gone eras, but also by cartoon characters and puppet animations. Together they narrate the story of the euphoric ups and tragic downs of human existence. When Forever Dies, a virtuoso collage of film fragments from the Eye Filmmuseum archive, is an epic ode to largely unseen cinema anchored in the polarizing world of today.

Ring of Dreams

In a world where fantasy meets reality, Tengkwa leads a band of Dutch wrestlers and tries to train a new generation of superheroes. With slim chances of fame and glory, only the most die-hard of them will succeed.

Wild Boar

In nature only one rule counts; eat or be eaten. WILD BOAR is a poetic, and visually arresting documentary about the curious relationship between man and the rise of the wild boar. The film tells a story about confusion, despair and opportunity amidst the invasion of unruly creatures that won’t abide by manmade rules and laws. From the dark woods where it originates, this almost uncontrollably dangerous creature goes deeper and deeper into our villages and cities but at the same time tickles our imagination and inspires us. WILD BOAR is an exploration of a society conflicted with nature and a reflection of the curiosity of human nature itself. Will we eat them or will they eventually devour us?

Nomade in Niemandsland

As the first artist in the Dutch Kingdom freely using his work to explain what it means to be queer and Caribbean, Felix de Rooy broaches some sensitive subjects. Despite the relevance and artistic value of his works, he is not included in the white art scene. This documentaryconfronts viewers with the volatility of life, when Felix suffers a stroke. Next, something surprising happens: As a result of a changing social awareness, young creatives of colour look back and realise on whose shoulders they are standing. And there is a retrospective of De Rooy’s work at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Suddenly, Felix gets the acknowledgement he deserves.

Restless Souls

People detained under hospital orders work hard to return to society. Participating in a theatre project helps, but can also cause tension. Is it possible to leave your demons behind, or will they always remain with you?

180cc

“Robberies, shootings, fights, burglaries, weed plantations.” Jose sums up life in his neighborhood in the southern part of Rotterdam. He longs to ride with the notorious stunt bike group known as Team Domina on their illegal “ride-outs” through the city. There are sometimes more than 100 riders, doing extended wheelies and other stunts amid the busy traffic. The riders set off from the southern suburbs and head for the wealthier north bank of the river. In a ride-out, the kids from the south manage to get themselves seen by the northerners—but also by the police, who crack down on their dangerous stunt riding.

Bird Strike

In Bird Strike, we see how man and animal must share the air space and the resulting consequences. In this visual story different characters struggle with their curious relationship with unpredictable flying troublemakers. Will man manage to get his own way, or will nature have the final say in this battle for the skies?