_{Okthanksbye by Nicole van Kilsdonk}

Feature Films from the Netherlands

Okthanksbye, directed by Nicole van Kilsdonk and produced by Labyrint Film, is celebrating its world premiere in New York. In Okthanksbye, Jamie is only just starting to get settled at her new boarding school for the deaf when she learns that her dear grandmother, the only other non-hearing member of her family, has landed in the hospital. When her family tells her there’s not enough time to pick her up in the Netherlands before heading to the hospital in Paris, Jamie is left feeling helpless. Imane, Jamie’s very new friend and classmate, sees her upset and suggests they secretly make the journey on their own. Together they face a scary clown, an abandoned mansion, a gibberish band, and much more on their trek from school through the French countryside.

Totem**, directed by Sander Burger and produced by Volya Films, world premiered as the Opening Film of Cinekid 2022. Ama is a passionate swimmer who, together with her best friend Thijs, spends her free time practising for the upcoming championships. Ama feels completely Dutch, but her parents are asylum seekers from Senegal. Since their application has been rejected, they have been staying illegally in the Netherlands. When her mother and brother are detained, Ama begins a quest through Rotterdam in search of her father. During this journey, she meets her totem animal: a giant porcupine. SKOOP Media handles sales.

Shorts from the Netherlands

The following Dutch shorts are selected for NYICFF

• Fur (2022)
  Directed by Madeleine Homan
  Produced by Thijme Grol
• Spotless* (2022)
  Directed by Emma Branderhorst
  Produced by IJswater Films
• Balcony Cacophony* (2022)
  Directed by Quentin Haberham
  Produced by Family Affair Films
• Outside (2022)
  Directed by Wouter Keijzer
  Produced by Bye Jane!
• Luce and the Rock* (2022)
  Directed by Britt Raes
  Co-produced by Studio Pupil

For more information on New York International Children's Film Festival, click here.
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*Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund and Film Production Incentive