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.
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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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A young woman filled with regret retraces her footprints in the sand. As she walks along the shore, she relives how a shocking confession to her friend Fryd changed the course of their friendship forever. Intriguing, mysterious and beautifully designed short by director Adelen Holt.
Three people are confronted by their fears of inadequacy. By following their stories, director Jamie Machul tries to understand what it means to be good enough. They deliver fascinating images by experimenting with various printing techniques in this meditative short film.
In House of Broken Hearts, Anna follows her heart as it leads her to different relationships, which manifest around her as clingy, alluring and comforting pieces of furniture. After a few dramatic breakups, they try to navigate love and deal with the pain of heartbreak. Striking short by director Aisha Madu.
Immature is a colorful animated documentary by director Eddy Wu that explores the fluidity and complexity of gender identity. The film delves into the evolving experiences of a transgender gay man, capturing the nuances of his self-exploration.
This minimalistic short film by director Daan Lucas follows the life cycle of the seemingly useless organoid. Its movements, character, dry lips—everything about it is a part of life. Ain’t it beautiful?
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Mary can't catch a break. Fusing motherhood with being a full-time carer for her disabled son has her up to her ears in red tape, barely keeping afloat. A surreal situation is looming. Director Naomi Noir pays tribute to society's true heroes in her surreal yet touching animation, giving a voice to those who dedicate their lives to others.
Humans and some kind of gnomes have posted videos on social media platforms in their dimension. Skroll is a short compilation of these clips—an animated, random flow of social media content that will truly surprise you and is worth watching until the end. A bizarre film by Marten Visser.
In this short film, puppets visualize how incredibly difficult it is to truly be there for a friend when their life is figuratively and literally falling apart due to illness. A beautiful film by Anna Eijsbouts, set to the music of the Irish band Bell X1.
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Dumped waste lies around two garbage containers. An old mattress sighs, "They say I’m dirty..." As the objects share their stories, an old piece of paper begins to dance gracefully, sparking a profound, musical transformation in how the waste perceives itself. With The Refusers, Dutch director Wiep Teeuwisse delivers a playful, all-around fun short.
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How does society deal with offenders, and how can harm to potential victims be prevented? The animated documentary The Virtue of Voice deals with a difficult subject matter and gives a glimpse into the minds of two people who have committed criminal offenses. A confronting work by Leticia van Neerven.
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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