Shortcutz 13th Edition - Short Film Festival

​Every year, Shortcutz Amsterdam teams up with global partners to bring the best of Dutch cinema to audiences around the world.

This year, over 25 national and international partners are hosting screenings worldwide, giving Dutch filmmaking the global stage it deserves.

The Dutch Centre is a proud international partner by hosting as the London screening venue for the Shortzcutz Audience Award, showcasing the six nominees for Best Short Film of the Year. All films are in Dutch with English subtitles.

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​The Nominees

​We are proud to present the six films competing for your vote this year:

BARLEBAS

• ​Genre: Live-Action | Duration: 19'59''

• ​Director: Malu Janssen

• ​Synopsis: Set around 1595, this experimental musical period drama follows the last days of Heylken, a headstrong woman accused of witchcraft just as she plans to leave her village. While her own journey is cut short, her powerful voice and free spirit leave a lasting mark on young Griet.

• ​Cast: Pitou Nicolaes, Fay IJsseldijk, Phedra Vandenbergh.

  
  

​BEYOND SILENCE

• ​Genre: Live-Action | Duration: 17'00''

• ​Director: Marnie Blok

• ​Synopsis: Eva, who is deaf, seeks to report abuse by her professor. Through her sister’s sign language interpretation, she enters a tense, real-time dialogue with a university director. This raw one-room drama explores power, authority, and the immense courage required to break the silence.

• ​Cast: Henrianne Janssen, Sigrid ten Napel, Tamar van den Dop.

  
  

​MARLEEN

• ​Genre: Live-Action | Duration: 06'57''

• ​Director: Jop Leuven

• ​Synopsis: During a group therapy session, Lena reflects on the pivotal relationships that have shaped her identity: her father, her first boyfriend, and the titular Marleen. A compact, intimate look at memory and connection.

• ​Cast: Laura Bakker.

  
  

​SANYI KAKAS

• ​Genre: Documentary | Duration: 19'16''

• ​Director: Lotte Salomons

• ​Synopsis: When a rooster escapes a market in Hungary and becomes a national hero, a divided community finds a rare sense of unity. However, when the bird dies, hope quickly turns to mistrust and conspiracy. A poignant look at how easily community spirit can unravel.

  
  

​SIGN AND SEE THE WORLD

• ​Genre: Documentary | Duration: 10'59''

• ​Director: Safi Graauw

• ​Synopsis: Driven by loyalty to the Netherlands, three young Surinamese men leave their tropical homeland to fight in WWII. This film uncovers the forgotten story of their courage, from facing discrimination in training to the raw reality of liberating Europe.

• ​Cast: Daniel Kolf, Denzel Goudmijn, Uriah Havertong.

  
  

​YAROSHENKO

• ​Genre: Documentary | Duration: 03'04''

• ​Director: Lieuwe Siebe de Jong

• ​Synopsis: A powerful, brief portrait of Viktor Yaroshenko. From surviving the Soviet era to losing his daughter in battle and living in uninhabitable conditions, this Ukrainian veteran’s life is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

​How to Vote

​Getting involved is simple:

Watch: Enjoy these six nominated Dutch short films at the Dutch Centre in London.

​Vote: Cast your vote for the film that resonates with you most.

​Your voice matters! The public’s choice directly decides this year’s Audience Award winner.

​The Jury

​The six nominees for the international tour were hand-picked by Shortcutz Amsterdam’s prestigious Jury Team, consisting of top-tier industry professionals.

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​The Grand Finale

​The journey culminates on January 25, 2026, at 8.00PM (CET). The Audience Award winner will be revealed during the 13th Shortcutz Amsterdam Annual Awards at the iconic Pathé Tuschinski. This gala event brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, and film enthusiasts to honor the very best in Dutch short filmmaking.

​About Shortcutz Amsterdam

​Shortcutz Amsterdam is the ultimate 'shortcut' to success for emerging Dutch filmmakers. Shortcutz bridges the gap between new talent and the global film industry by connecting creators with international audiences and seasoned professionals. Their mission is to create direct pathways for filmmakers to gain recognition, build powerful networks, and accelerate their creative careers.