Sometimes we tend to forget what is closest to us. Right here, in the Netherlands, there's an abundance of talent. Have faith, trust us, and discover the best of Dutch animation.
Think the Netherlands is only about tulips, cheese, and canals? Think again. This short film programme proves we've got more talent than just riding bikes without breaking a sweat. Turns out, when we're not busy dodging rain or winning sports medals, we're actually crafting brilliant animation films... There is so much talent right here, in the Netherlands, that Kaboom just HAS to dedicate a whole competition to Dutch shorts. Who needs Hollywood when you've got the polder?
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‘An Elephant in the Porcelain Cabinet’ is a stop-motion and 2D animated short film about damage and how we deal with it, visualized through a fragile space that receives a clumsy visitor. It is an exploration by the creator into material, technique, and learning to open up."
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Urban pigeons are seen as pests, as rats of the sky. They are rudely chased away and their nests are removed. When a group of pigeons hears that the mayor promises housing for everyone, they decide to submit a petition at the town hall. But first, they have to get past the evil janitor.
A sausage dog lets all kinds of animals walk all over him. A cat sees a business opportunity.
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Down in the Dumps is a dark tale about a perfectionist ladybug who does everything she can to be loved by everyone. She organizes the perfect birthday party. In order for the party not to be ruined, she doesn't invite her neighbor Peri, an outsider cockroach. Peri is offended because he loves a good party. He seeks revenge and steals the ladybug's shield. As a result, Cinelli sinks into a depression and disappears through a hole in her bed into a dark underground world. There she meets Obius, a deviant centipede, who lures her deeper and deeper into the darkness.
In Cinelli’s house, Peri steps into her shoes. He puts on her shield and takes over her perfect life, but this proves to be harder than it seemed. When Peri discovers how suffocating Cinelli’s life is, he goes looking for her.
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I wanted to create a love letter to the art of animation. It's a beautiful medium used to tell amazing stories, bring legendary characters to life, and so much more. Animation can be so many things, but with that we sometimes forget the beauty and fun of the pure ability to make something move. To turn drawings into movement.
I wanted to make a film that explores the joys of motion, but also the hard work that even the more simple things take. Lil' Guys is an exploration of my love of animation, the exhaustion that it can cause, and ultimately, the joy it brings me.
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Wanneer een lopende band soldaat Knock-out word geblazen in de strijd, ontwakend hij tegenover een stad in puin en een klein meisje dat hem aan staart. Als hij het meisje probeert te doden, rent ze weg en gaat hij achter haar aan. eenmaal in de stad word hij gevangen genomen en voor een mysterieus wezen gesleept die hem de inzicht geeft om een nieuw pad te volgen.
A visual poem about hopes and unfulfilled wishes.
The film follows anonymous characters from their first wish as a newborn till the last prayers, using various wish-making rituals to reflect universal emotions of frustration, determination, surrender and hope. We seek to find who listens to our prayers and why do we keep on hoping? The narrative suggests reasons for despair as well as faith in the shape of a visual poem, exploring the deeply personal yet common nature of belief rituals. The film poses the question of how future generations will navigate their existence, although it cannot provide a definitive answer, it invites the viewers to cherish the journey of life.
When every global citizen is required to have their CO2 emissions tracked, it makes little impact…that is, until
they discover the consequences of reaching their designated QUOTA.
States of Matter is an experimental strata-cut animation crafted entirely from wax and paper. Inspired by Oskar Fischinger's pioneering wax experiments of the 1920s, the film is the outcome of the director's research and creative explorations, during his postgraduate studies.
The title reflects the transformative creative process in which liquid wax was shaped into solid sculptures, only to be systematically broken down and reanimated. This cyclical destruction and reconstruction result in fluid, highly magnified "macro" animations that invite viewers to focus on the intricate details of the used materials, their textures, and movements.
Complemented by a tactile soundscape, States of Matter creates a space for contemplation and personal interpretation.
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How do second-generation Dutch people with a migration background see their native country? This hybrid documentary, filled with anecdotes and conversations, takes stock of the doubt whether you are allowed to feel at home in the Netherlands.
Which types of microaggression are second-generation Dutch people with a migration background confronted with? This short and poetical documentary illustrates, based on anecdotes, outward insecurities and unburdening conversations, how repeatedly being treated as the Other is becoming internalised. Using rotoscope animation techniques these anecdotes and conversations are brought to life. The film shows how all interviewees doubt whether they are allowed to feel at home in the Netherlands. So how do we still find the freedom to say the words: Yet only here I am home?
Kaboom Animation Festival is the one-stop-shop for the latest and greatest in all things animated. Ranging from cutting-edge experimental arthouse to colorful stories for families and kids, Kaboom will cater to the animation needs of all. Yes, even yours, my amazing weirdo friend!
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