Still: Lacuna - Maartje Wegdam & Nienke Huitenga

Lacuna is directed by Maartje Wegdam and Nienke Huitenga Broeren and produced by Podium Biarritz in co-production with Copper Views Film Productions and Studio Biarritz. In Lacuna the viewer wanders through a deeply personal VR documentary between what is left and what is lost. Sonja has no memory of the crucial moment in her early childhood that saved her life. The discovery of three long-lost rings spark a riveting journey into imagination. Lacuna  world premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam.

From Dust is composed and directed by Michel van der Aa, and performed by the mesmerising vocal ensemble Sjaella. The work transcends the boundaries of traditional opera and takes the viewer to the forefront of immersive storytelling and personalised art. Explore the boundaries of reality and identity in this cutting-edge virtual reality opera installation that is tailor-made by you and for you using AI.

It is a strong year for the Netherlands at Cannes Film Festival. Previously the selection of Sven Bresser’s debut feature Reedland for Cannes Critic’s Week was announced. It’s the first time in 27 years that a Dutch feature is part of the Critic’s Week competition.

Furthermore three Dutch co-productions are set to world premiere in Cannes Official Selection. Two features are part of the Competition: Two Prosecutors* by Sergei Loznitsa and co-produced by Netherlands-based Atoms & Void, and The Secret Agent**, which is written by Brazilian writer/director Kleber Mendonça Filho and co-produced by Lemming Film.

Part of the Short Film Competition is animated short Water Girl (Fille de L’Éau), directed by Sandra Desmazières co-produced by Valk Producties.

Lastly, Floating with spirits by Juanita Onzaga is selected for the Immersive Selection - Focus. The VR Short is co-produced by Studio Biarritz.

The 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival runs 13 to 24 May.

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