Still: Tummy Tom and the Lost Teddy Bear - Erik Verkerk & Joost van den Bosch

The feature film programme brings together seven recent Dutch productions. Erik Verkerk and Joost van den Bosch's animated feature Tummy Tom and the Lost Teddy Bear, produced by Phanta Animation and sold internationally by Incredible Film, follows the beloved cat on a heartwarming search for his favourite teddy bear, during which he discovers new friends along the way. Based on Jet Boeke's popular children's books, the film previously screened at Giffoni, while SEE NL spoke with the directing duo before Annecy's MIFA.

Margien Rogaar is represented with two films. Lampie, produced by Juliet at Pupkin and sold by Studio TF1, follows eleven-year-old Lampie, who is sent to work at the mysterious Admiral's house, where she must choose between saving her new friend or the father she has been separated from. The film was previously selected for Schlingel. Rogaar's Jippie No More!, produced by Juliet and sold by m-appeal, tells the touching story of a young man with Down syndrome who experiences first love during a family wedding. The film opened Cinekid in 2023, where SEE NL interviewed the director.

Also selected is Janne Schmidt's King of the Wanderers, produced by The Media Brothers and sold by Dutch Core. The film centres on eleven-year-old Meissy, who slowly discovers that her father's unusual behaviour may not simply be the result of a vivid imagination. Following its opening screening at Cinekid 2025 and its selection for Giffoni 2026, Schmidt will travel to Busan to present the film in person. SEE NL previously spoke with the director ahead of its Cinekid premiere.

Animation features prominently with Miss Moxy, directed by Vincent Bal and Wip Vernooij. Produced by Phanta Animation and sold by Studio 100 International, the film follows a city cat whose unexpected journey changes her perspective on friendship and the world around her. After its world premiere at the Shanghai International Film Festival, the film was also selected for Schlingel.

Meikeminne Clinckspoor's Twinkle Twinkle Little Elephant, produced by 100% Film and sold by Incredible Film, tells the story of sisters Ollie and Nim, who become lost on their way to a family celebration. As Ollie learns that caring for her older sister with Down syndrome also means trusting her, the film offers a tender perspective on family relationships. The film previously screened at Schlingel.

Completing the feature selection is Pieter van Rijn's Mister Twister Moving Out, produced by Greenfield Productions and sold by Incredible Film. As Tobias sees both his favourite teacher and his family life changing, he gradually discovers that change can also open the door to new beginnings.

The short film programme highlights both established and emerging Dutch talent. Marlies van der Wel is represented with two animated films: Charlotte's Daydream, in which an astronomer embarks on a cosmic journey after leaping into a black hole, and Emily, a moving reflection on a florist looking back on a lifetime spent spreading love through flowers. Emily, produced by 100% Film, was selected as the Dutch submission for the Academy Awards in the Animated Short Film category in 2018, while Charlotte's Daydream won Best Film at the Très Court Festival.

The selection also includes Julia van Braak's graduation film The Little Hotel Detective, a playful mystery about a young detective determined to win her mother's affection, and Wout Malestein's Dungeons & Spectrums, produced by Tangerine Tree, in which a ten-year-old autistic boy discovers social confidence through playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Dutch filmmakers will also be present throughout the festival. Alongside Janne Schmidt, director and animator Marlies van der Wel will travel to Busan, where she has been invited to serve as a member of the international Starlight Award Jury. Known for her visually rich and emotionally resonant work, Van der Wel's films have screened at festivals including Berlinale, Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance. She is currently developing both a mid-length film and her first animated feature.

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