Still: Twinkle Twinkle Little Elephant - Meikeminne Clinckspoor

In the International Children’s Film Competition, Dutch filmmaker Meikeminne Clinckspoor presents Twinkle Twinkle Little Elephant**, produced by 100% Film. The film follows six-year-old Ollie and her big sister Nim (11), who has Down syndrome, as they lose their way on the journey to a family party. With a performance for their grandmother at stake, Ollie feels the weight of responsibility—until she realizes that like a lost little elephant in the woods, she doesn’t have to carry everything on her own. “Sometimes she can also hold Nim’s tail.”

Also featured in the Children’s Competition is Woozle & Pip: Adventure in the Magic Garden** by director Dennis Bots. Produced by NewBe in co-production with KRO-NCRV (international sales: Incredible Film), the film introduces five-year-old Sam, who sets out on a whimsical adventure when Pip’s red heart-shaped ribbon disappears. With her beloved stuffed animals by her side, she enters the magical world of the garden, where imagination becomes reality.

Meanwhile, in the International Junior Film Competition, director Margien Rogaar brings her adaptation of the beloved novel Lampie** to the screen. Produced by Juliet at Pupkin in co-production with VPRO (sales: Newen Connect), Lampie follows an 11-year-old girl sent to live in the mysterious Admiral’s house, long rumored to be home to a sea monster. There, she’s faced with a difficult choice: help a strange new friend or try to reunite with her estranged father.

In the Competition Animated Feature Film section, Miss Moxy**, directed by Vincent Bal and Wip Vernooij, makes an appearance. Produced by Phanta Animation and sold by Studio 100 International, the film follows a sophisticated city cat whose comfortable worldview is challenged when she is forced into an unexpected journey. Along the way, Miss Moxy confronts her prejudices and discovers the true meaning of friendship. The film had its world premiere earlier this year at the Shanghai International Film Festival in the Animations section.

In the International Youth Film Competition, Live for Me by Mark de Cloe offers a gripping drama based on true events. Produced by Rinkel Film in co-production with KRO-NCRV (sales: Attraction Distribution), the story follows 14-year-old Ari, who launches a nationwide campaign with a powerful message: “I am dying. Can Zahra take my place?”.

Part of the Dutch selection in Focus Europe is Superpowers for your Mind by YouTuber-turned-director Dylan Haegens. Produced by NewBe in co-production with Haegens Media, the film tells the story of a disabled and insecure boy who discovers his superhero idol is a healer. With the help of his eccentric grandmother, he embarks on a fan-driven journey to Comic Con — and ultimately finds more than just superpowers.

As part of the SCHLiNGEL INDUSTRY FORUM, the ComingSoon series offers exclusive previews of promising children’s and youth films currently in development or post-production. Representing the Netherlands this year is King of the Wanderers** by Janne Schmidt, produced by The Media Brothers.

The following Dutch co-productions are part of Schlingel:

• I Accidentally wrote a Book** by Nóra Lakos
  Section: International Junior Film Competition
  NL Co-prod. BIND
  Sales: Beta Film
• Mini-Zlatan and Uncle Darling by Christian Lo
  Section: Focus Europe
  NL Co-prod. Viking Film
  

The following Dutch short films are part of Schlingel's International Short Film Competition:

• When I Get Rich By Lucas Camps (prod. Elbe Stevens Films)
• Moustache* by Idriss Nsangou Nabil (prod. Topkapi Films)
• One Way to Paris by Kees-Jan Mulder (prod. Jong Veluwe)
• All is Well by Mees van Oosten

And in the International Animated Short Film Competition:

• Down in the Dumps* by Vera van Wolferen (prod. Family Affair Films)
• COO-RAGE* by Alina Milkina (prod. Spotted Bird)
• House Trap* by George Hampshire (prod. Family Affair Films)
• Cell Buddies by Melle Windig, Hidde Alberts, Miguel Reyes, Jurgen de Smit, Arjen van der Plas
• The Refusers* by Wiep Teeuwisse (prod. Tinsel Studio)
  

For more on Schlingel 2025, click here.

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*film supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**supported by the Netherlands Film Fund and Netherlands Production Incentive