Industry Forum

The theme of this year's festival is 'Is this real?'. With this theme, the growing influence of technologies on children's lives is examined, through which the boundaries between online and offline are blurring. Time spent online for young people seems to have become equally important to the time spent away from their keyboards, as they navigate their self-expression, relationships and many other influential aspects in their life in online worlds. Can their time spent online therefore even be considered less ‘real’ anymore? 
 
What happens online certainly has consequences in our ‘real’ lives. Digital developments bring several necessary concerns along with them that need to be carefully considered and examined. At the Industry Forum, however, we like to reflect on ways in which they can be used to boost children's creativity and support their communicative abilities. Many of the exciting examples presented to you on this day will demonstrate how these goals can be achieved, and how the unique perspective of children is an incredibly valuable source of information in this field.  

We recognize that what is perceived as 'real' differs from person to person. The importance of representation in children's media seems to be widely acknowledged, yet consistent representation across a variety of media and in ways that are not merely repeating stereotypes is far from normalized. At this year's Industry Forum, we invite you to consider the lived realities of many different children and to think critically about the way we understand the realities of the young audiences we address. We are excited that many speakers will share ways in which they manage to do so in their personal work.  

These and other approaches to the theme shape the program of the Industry Forum.

In this inspiring keynote, Deanna Marsigliese (Art Director at Pixar) expands upon her creative process, discussing important topics such as finding your creativity, creating meaning, and following your intuition.

Deanna Marsigliese is a Canadian born Animation Art Director & Illustrator living in San Francisco, CA. Specializing in storytelling through character design, Deanna has worked at Pixar Animation Studios since 2012. Her credits include Soul (2020), Onward (2020), Toy Story 4 (2019), Incredibles 2 (2018), Bao (2018), Inside Out (2015) & The Good Dinosaur (2013). She is currently art directing on an original feature entitled Luca, set to release in 2021. Past clients include Laika, Sony Pictures, Universal Feature, Walt Disney Feature, Reel FX, Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network & PBS Kids, among others.  Deanna delivers panel talks & leads workshops world-wide, having been hosted by SXSW, D23, ILM, Leaders London, Pixelatl, CTNX & The Walt Disney Family Museum. Deanna is a vintage fashion enthusiast with a penchant for large costume jewels. When in need of inspiration, she loves to travel the world at length with a surprisingly small backpack. 

Neon Wild is the world's first personalised family entertainment platform whose mission is to empower children all over the world to see themselves as heroes. Focusing strongly on representation in games, they address the persistent lack of proper representation and try to overcome this by allowing players to create an avatar that looks and sounds exactly like them. Co-founder Matt Weckel will share the fascinating story of creating Neon Wild. 

Matt is the CEO & co-founder of Neon Wild, the world's first personalized family entertainment platform whose mission is to empower kids all over the world to see themselves as heroes. Born and raised in New York City, Matt began his career as a filmmaker and then pivoted to become a software engineer in order to build the stories of the future and connect with audiences in brand-new ways. Prior to Neon Wild, Matt served as a creative executive for ground-breaking technology companies across media, XR and even 3D printing. He is the proud father of two wild boys and is married to the best woman in the world. 

With Elena di Giovanni, Karlijn Landman, Patrick Chin and Rikke Flodin.  
Moderated by Isabel Sheridan 
 
In response to the theme "Is it real?" this panel will pose the question, "What is real, and for whom?" While it's clear that professionals in children's media are targeting a young audience, there are many intersecting factors that further define their lived realities. In what ways can we understand the audience we are targeting and learn about their specific needs and desires, so we can realistically portray the lived realities of children through media? 

Isabel Sheridan 
Isabel Sheridan is a program maker and moderator at De Balie. With a keen interest in the latest developments in art, culture, technology, and society, she crafts programs designed for a wide-ranging audience. Isabel studied Sociology and Political Science at Amsterdam University College and the University of Copenhagen. She completed her MA in Cultural Sociology at the University of Amsterdam. Before joining De Balie, she worked as a researcher for films and television programs, collaborating with director Sunny Bergman and the VPRO. She also served as an editor for the online feminist platform Lilith Magazine. 

Elena di Giovanni 
Elena Di Giovanni is Professor of English Translation and Accessibility at the University of Macerata, where she is also Chair of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses in translation and interpreting. She is Director of the international MA programme in Accessibility to Media, Arts and Culture. From 2016 to 2021, she was President of ESIST, the European Association for Studies in Screen Translation. Since 2013, she gives workshops on translation and accessibility at the Venice International Film Festival (27 Times Cinema programme). In 2019, she was Fulbright Distinguished Chair at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she taught media accessibility. In 2019, she delivered a TED X talk on accessibility and inclusion. She is coordinator of a number of accessibility and inclusion projects throughout Italy: at the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, at Teatro alla Scala in Milano, Teatro Grande in Brescia, Teatro Pavarotti Freni in Modena, Teatro Sferisterio in Macerata (since 2008). A full list of over 100 publications is available here. 

Karlijn Landman 
Karlijn has worked in various roles in the Dutch film and TV sector for many years, including at the New Amsterdam Film Company, the Netherlands Film Fund, NTR and the Media Fund. She has been working freelance since 2021 and dedicates her knowledge, experience and network to projects that strive for more equality and connection between people. She currently works as a project manager for the Generation Inclusion talent project of ROSE stories, she is the creative producer of the documentary podcast IEMANDS KIND (orang pun anak) that will be launched in November 2023, and she works as an advisor and fundraiser for individual clients. 

Patrick Chin 
Patrick Chin is an animation writer and director who’s been in the business for almost 25 years. He’s best known as Series Director of the beloved Dr. Panda animated pre-school tv series, which is distributed by 9 Story. Next to creating animation, Chin is a guest lecturer and coach at the Willem de Kooning Academy and the Dutch Film Academy. He’s a board member of the Dutch Academy For Film (DAFF) and co-founder of Animatie in Kleur, a network of POC in the Dutch animation industry. Formerly, he was chairman of the Dutch union for animators (DAMD). Chin has several new children’s animation series in development and is writing and directing his first feature-length animation film aimed at an adult audience. 

Rikke Flodin 
Rikke is a partner at PUBLIKUM.io, a Danish-based tool for audience awareness. Within the last few years, Rikke has particularly specialised in how to reach the children and youth audience groups using digital tools and anthropological methods to facilitate the conversations with the young audience. 

Crafting Real-Life Narratives in Children's Media

How do we realistically portray the lives of our target audience? At this roundtable, we present several cases of creators that have collaborated and co-created with their target audience or have stayed close to their own real-life experiences. The authentic stories that follow create space for insightful conversations that can help us understand what young audiences truly want and need. 

Growing up with the target audience: 25 years of the Hoe overleef ik-series 
Speaker: Francine Oomen 
 
On September 12th, Francine Oomen’s new book in her popular youth series Hoe Overleef Ik? was released, eight years after the last book came out. Hoe overleef ik alles wat ik niemand vertel? is aimed at the now-adult generation who grew up with this book series. Oomen conducted research for this book by asking her readers to send in emails describing the problems they face in their daily lives. She then created a podcast series in which she engaged in conversations with some of them. In this roundtable session, Oomen discusses this unique process and reflects on how it relates to the writing process for her previous books, which also led to a TV series and a feature film. How do you reach the target audience for whom you are writing, and how do you ensure that you address the issues and events they encounter in their daily realities. 

Francine Oomen 
Francine Oomen is an industrial designer by training (with a lifelong interest in psychology). She is a writer, illustrator, podcast maker and visual artist. Her first children's book saw the light of day in 1990, and many more followed. She gained the most recognition for the 'Hoe overleef Ik...' series, which guided and continues to guide numerous teenagers through the challenges of adolescence. In 2015, she took a break from writing children's books. In 2017, her first graphic memoir for adults was published: "Oomen Stroomt Over," the very first graphic novel about menopause. Her second graphic memoir “Hoe overleven we?'’, about intergenerational trauma, saw the light in 2021. In September this year her first Hoe overleef ik... book for grown up Hoe overleef ik… fans, Hoe overleef ik alles wat ik niemand vertel? was published. In just one month over 100.000 books were sold.
 
Case Study: Blozende Oortjes 
Speaker: Sophie Dros 
 
With Blushing Ears, director Sophie Dros embarks on an intimate journey in which twenty teenagers delve into the raw, unfiltered aspects of the first time, falling in love, sexuality and the myriad experiences that accompany them. In six episodes these young individuals seize control of their own narratives, challenging the shame and taboos that have long been associated with sexuality and explore the current state of sex education. How did Sophie Dros achieve the honest and authentic conversations with the teenagers on screen, and what was it like working with them in co-creation? Besides answering these and other questions, Dros will share her experience with trying to get funding for this project aimed at a target audience between 12-18 years old - a group she believes deserves to have more time and attention invested in them.  

Sophie Dros is a filmmaker who thrives on delving deep into intriguing subjects and lifestyles, seeking to unravel their true essence. With a profound passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to embark on transformative journeys, challenging the superficial and formulaic narratives that saturate today’s media landscape. Her documentaries offer a fresh perspective, focusing on the connections that bind people together, transcending societal barriers. Sophie’s films serve as a catalyst for empathy, expanding our horizons and shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of humanity. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, Sophie Dros places immense importance on crafting compelling narratives through her documentaries. She believes that the form and content of a film should harmoniously work together to captivate and engage audiences. By honing the visual aspects of her work, from shot composition to cinematography, Sophie ensures that her films resonate on a visceral level, leaving a lasting impact. 
 
Intuitive Filmmaking 
Speaker: Zainab Goelaman 
 
Zainab Goelaman never felt represented in Dutch films and series as an Indo-Caribbean muslim kid born and raised in the Netherlands, so she decided to change that. She taught herself how to write and direct three years ago and worked on various series and films ever since, three of which (Katwalk, Rakhi & Peppe and SNOR) have been selected for this year's Cinekid competitions. In her work, she explores the contemporary experiences of young women of color, usually presented with humor and heartfelt drama.  
Goelaman describes her practice as a filmmaker as authentic and autonomous, and intrinsically linked to her persona. Her work is an extension of herself as she creates from a personal need to be seen, heard and understood. This reflects not only in her writing but branches out to all her creative choices as a director, resulting in complex, layered and character-driven stories. For the Industry Forum, Goelaman reflects on how she places authenticity and autonomy at the forefront of her work. How does this help her stay close to the lived realities of her characters? 

Zainab Goelaman 
Zainab Goelaman (31) is a self-taught screenwriter, director and poet from Amsterdam with an Indo-Caribbean muslim background. She developed two successful web series during different NPO talent development programs and went on to develop multiple television series afterwards. She wrote her directorial debut "SNOR" one year later, which has currently been selected for the Best Dutch Short Film Competition by Nederlands Film Festival and Cinekid. Zainab’s work centralizes the contemporary experiences of young women of color, usually presented with humor and heartfelt drama.  
 
Case Study: King Ridwan
Speaker: Sammy Shefa Idris 

In the short documentary King Ridwan, director Sammy Shefa Idris follows 20-year old Ridwan who is preparing for his first rap performance. Ridwan is popular on TikTok in Leeuwarden, but also faces a lot of online negativity and hateful comments. The documentary shows Ridwan's determination to be taken seriously and pursue his dream of becoming a social media superstar. In this roundtable session, Sammy Shefa Idris reflects on how he managed to create an honest representation of the real life of his protagonist, playing with elements of realism and fantasy in the process. 
 
Sammy Shefa Idris 
Sammy Shefa Idris is the director of short documentary King Ridwan.   
 

Potentials and pitfalls of new tools and platforms 

Ongoing digital advancements have led children to spend a significant amount of time online. On one hand, we want to consider the ‘real’ consequences and impact of digital exposure on children and the need for protective rules and regulations. At the same time, we acknowledge how our perception of these concerns is heavily influenced by the visual representation of digital systems in popular culture. Shifting from these concerns, this roundtable also explores how we can use digital tools and social media platforms in our favour. We discuss tailoring content for platforms like TikTok to engage a young audience more effectively and the creative potential of the vertical format. Join us in this roundtable to ponder the inevitable considerations that arise when navigating new digital tools and platforms. 
  

Navigating Self-Expression and Advertising in Online Worlds  
Speaker: David Kleeman 

Advertising to children has always been challenging. On the one hand, are children able to understand commercials’ selling intent? On the other, we’ve found no better way to fund the entertainment kids love and want. This equation continues to evolve: young people are devoting increasing time to online social gaming platforms where they can create experiences as well as consume them. Some young people simply customize their avatar with branded accessories. Others play games built around their favorite products or content. The most engaged users express themselves by building games. How is the definition of 'advertising' evolving in today's realms of games, experiences and videos. Is a virtual Nike Swoosh on your avatar an ad? Is a kid-made LEGO game a commercial or an expression of fandom? Is an immersive fashion game offered by H&M an ad or experiential engagement? In this session, David Kleeman explores the intersection of online self-expression and advertising. What rules and regulations are necessary while encouraging the creative freedom to explore and experiment? 

David Kleeman 
Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, connector — David Kleeman has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, child-friendly practices for more than 35 years, looking worldwide for best practices. He began this work as president of the American Center for Children and Media and is now Senior Vice President of Global Trends for Dubit, a strategy/research consultancy and metaverse studio. When he began, “children’s media” meant television. Today, he is fascinated by kids’ wide range of possibilities for entertainment, engagement, play and learning. David uses research, insights and experience to show that much may change, but children’s developmental path and needs remain constant. David is advisory board chair to the international children’s TV festival PRIX JEUNESSE and on the board of the Children’s Media Association. 
 
The Image of AI
Speaker: Jessy de Cooker 
 
Jessy de Cooker flew back in time. He examined how Dutch newspapers wrote about artificial intelligence over the past 50 years. Did they sketch a utopian or rather dystopian picture? In his research (Fontys Journalism + MediaLab SETUP), he identified how cultural references from (mostly science-fiction) films are regularly cited by Dutch journalists when

Jessy de Cooker 
Jessy de Cooker (1994) is a lecturer and researcher at Fontys Journalism. He currently focuses on the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in journalism and he, in particular, explores how new technologies can be deployed in line with journalistic and social core values. His research fields are artificial intelligence, framing, representation of technology and innovation. Besides his work at Fontys Journalism, he is active as an innovative (research) journalist and podcast maker. More about Jessy’s freelance work can be found here. 
 
Case Study: Geen Hokje Voor Ons  
Speaker: Jesse Bleekemolen 
 
In the TikTok-based documentary series ‘Geen Hokje Voor Ons’, five teens talk about their own experience of gender. Each episode follows an important moment in the life of one of the teens that contributes to who they are and how they express themselves. In order to come the closest to the young audience the series tries to target, the choice was made to record the series vertically so it fits the format of TikTok. Director Jesse Bleekemolen joins the Industry Forum to share his experience with filming vertically and why the choice was made to focus on TikTok as the main platform to distribute the series. How does this affect his work as a filmmaker, and what can be gained from filming for the vertical screen in a world where TikTok is where young people spend an increasingly large part of their time? 

Jesse Bleekemolen 
Enthusiasm and perseverance are key factors in the remarkable career of Jesse Bleekemolen (1997). After briefly working as a camjo and production assistant, he decided to make his own feature film at the age of fifteen. ‘Fataal’ became a story that addresses senseless violence issues. Bleekemolen collaborated with seasoned screenwriter Dick van den Heuvel and secured support from Pathé for the film's release. ‘Fataal’ achieved global distribution success, leading Jesse to create a school project educating teens about the consequences of senseless violence. He also sold the musical rights to ‘Fataal.’ As a director, he excelled with documentaries like ‘Levenslang’. In 2020, he received widespread attention for his Videoland film ‘Leef’ about athlete Bibian Mentel. Working with director Will Koopman, Jesse assisted on projects like ‘Oogappels’ and ‘April, May en June.’ Currently, he is working on a documentary series for KRONCRV, a long documentary for BNNVARA, a series at ITV's drama department and his second feature film.   
 
Perpetuating Stereotypes or Reducing Biases? Opportunities for Representation in Media  
Speaker: Danny Brogan 
 
 
Research from Common Sense Media states that the media we consume plays a critical role in shaping how we understand and make sense of ourselves, our identities, and the world around us. It can perpetuate stereotypes and bias, exacerbating injustice and inequities. But it also presents an opportunity to reduce bias, end division, and be a gateway to a more inclusive future. In this session, Danny Brogan will explore how the findings from several research reports that delve into representation in media for kids can serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the role of media in shaping children's perceptions of the world. 
 
Danny Brogan 
Danny Brogan is an Executive Editor and Head of Streaming at Common Sense Media, having joined the organisation in 2019. He has been an editor and writer since graduating from the London School of Journalism in 2006. Initially carving out a career as a tech journalist (he was one of the first in the U.K. to get his hands on the original iPhone), he moved into the world of inflight entertainment, editing British Airways' website along with magazines for the likes of Lufthansa, Swiss and Malaysia Airlines. He lives in London with his wife and two young daughters. When time permits, he l

Animated Realities 

At both Fantastic(al) Storytelling roundtables, we delve into case studies and conversations that play with the theme ‘Is it real?’ in their own ways. From animated characters to real people, figments of your imagination to physical apparitions and genuine experiences to extravagant fantasies – creators of media play with a variety of elements that make up the reality in which their project exists. In each of the sessions, makers will delve into their own practice and the fantastic(al) stories they create. Part 1 focusses on animated projects.   
 
Case Study: The Imaginary Friend  
Speaker: Steye Hallema 
 
The VR-installation The Imaginary Friend, part of Cinekid's MediaLab 2023, invites you to take part in the vivid imagination of Daniel, a grieving eight-year-old struggling with the line between reality and fantasy. With its unique point of view in storytelling and the latest technical developments in VR, The Imaginary Friend presents an intimate experience unmatched in the VR landscape. The interactive gameplay allows the player to actively participate in Daniel's life. The installation was written and directed by Steye Hallema, who will join the Industry Forum for a Q&A about this exceptional project.   
 
Steye Hallema 
As the son of a magician, Steye Hallema also strives to create magic and wonder. He enjoys utilizing immersive technologies because they allow the audience to be part of the magic, rather than just spectators. He creatively leads the highly acclaimed Smartphone Orchestra project, a unique orchestra that collaboratively tells stories with the audience rather than to them. Steye has received various awards and nominations for his innovative storytelling projects and has showcased his work globally at A-list festivals, including SXSW, Tribeca, IDFA Doclab, and Bifan. Currently, Steye serves as the Creative Director at 4DR Studios, a full volumetric video capture studio in the Netherlands. He has previously held roles as the Creative Director for the Disney-backed XR startup, Jaunt XR, and as the Creative Lead for the VPRO MediaLab. Steye is a dedicated mentor at the VR College of the Venice Biennale, where he provides conceptual guidance to fellow VR creators on their projects. 
 
Case Study: A Greyhound of a Girl  
Speaker: Enzo d’Alò 
 
With A Greyhound of a Girl, acclaimed director Enzo d’Alò transformed the book by the same title into a heartwarming animated family film. In this session, he will delve into the process of creating the script based on the book, using the tools of animation to tell the story in a way that poetically reflects experiences we face in real life. In his perspective, an animated film is like an imaginary friend, allowing you to connect with large emotions and events experienced by other people through small and intricate drawings. Join us for this inspiring session that highlights the potential of storytelling through animation. 
 
Enzo d’Alò 
Director, screenwriter and musician, Enzo d’Alò is regarded as one of the leading creators of European animation. He has received several prestigious awards and critical acclaim for his movies and television series, including the Franco Bianchi Award at the 70th Edition of the Venice film Festival. Enzo’s extraordinary body of works includes: La Gabbianella e il Gatto (Lucky and Zorba) a huge success at the Italian box office, with 1.5m tickets sold; Momo alla Conquista del Tempo wich took the prestigious Audience Award at the Montreal Children’s Film Festival; LA Freccia Azzurra (The Blue Arrow), Opopomoz; and Pinocchio which screened as part of the 69th Festival del Cinema di Venezia before receiving an EFA Awards nomination. Television series Pipì Pupù & Rosemary was created from an original idea by Enzo and written with Vincenzo Cerami, Academy Award winner for Life Is Beautiful. Distributed worldwide, the series includes 78 episodes, 4 longer specials and a feature film. His last feature, A Greyhound of a Girl (2023), in his young life was presented at Berlin IFF, Shanghai IFF, Locarno IFF, Cinekid, Chicago Children’s IFF and many other Festivals, and will be released in November 2023. In 2009 Enzo received a special mention from UNICEF for having married his art with children’s rights, and having shown the differences in opportunities for children’s lives. The following year Enzo was invited to be a guest of honor at the celebration of 50 years of Annecy. 
 
The Road to Representation: Approaching Third Culture Kid Content 
Speaker: Lia Booi 

We all know that Diversity and Inclusivity are currently hot topics in the industry. But apart from simply ticking these two boxes and calling it a day, what can we as professionals do better to ensure that the projects we are taking on are represented as authentically as possible? Representing the organization Animatie in Kleur, a collective of BIPOC-creators in the Dutch animation industry, Lia Booi explores how the animation industry can better ensure the authentic representation of BIPOC voices and experiences in children's media. In a world filled with Third Culture kids, it's vital to highlight the significance of representing various backgrounds. By creating content that reflects the diverse experiences of children, their perception of reality can be altered in many beneficial ways. During this session, Lia Booi wants to open up a conversation amongst the group to discuss how industry professionals can collectively improve their approach when creating, hiring crew and contributing to projects that represent BIPOC experiences and communities. 
 
Lia Booi 
Lia Booi is an Illustrator and 2D Animator, with a focus on storytelling, concept development and character design. Most recently she has worked on Apollo 10.5 A Space Age Childhood, It's Nice in Here and is the creator and director of Toko Loko, a 2D animated series in development with Submarine. She is also one of the co-founders of Animatie in Kleur/ Animation in Color. Originally from Bonaire and raised between The Caribbean and Europe, Lia’s work often explores childhood and coming of age stories, with a kinship towards Third Culture Kid experiences. 
 
Case Study: A Mystery on the Cattle Hill Express  
Speaker: Will Ashurst 
 
In this session, Will Ashurst (director of A Mystery on the Cattle Hill Express) discusses the challenges of animation projects from concept to final product. The 'real' outcome of a film can be completely different from what was initially imagined. Collaborating with writers and producers means that different wishes need to be considered. Based on his own experiences with the making of this film, Ashurst will reflect on factors such as artistic integrity, making compromises and how to ensure continuity of characters in a sequel. 

Will Ashurst 
Will Ashurst started as a traditional animator and story artist who co-created the BAFTA nominated series” King Arthur’s Disasters" for CITV in the UK. He made his first series as a director as he helped reimagine the Elias animated series for an international audience. He made his debut as a feature director on the award winning Anchors Up, also from the Elias universe, which was awarded with Best Children's film at the Norwegian Amanda awards. Will has directed and developed  the lastest “Cattle Hill” films for Qvisten Animation and is currently finalizing his fourth feature “The Brothers Gruff go to Splashworld” which is posed for a cinematic release this Christmas. 

Inclusive Language Practices in Kids’ Content

In the realm of film, television, and gaming, content is predominantly conveyed through sound and visuals. However, not all young consumers of media can hear or see, prompting the use of methods like subtitling and audio-description for accessibility. Important steps have been taken to make these methods available for different types of content. Language accessibility extends beyond translation, as languages often convey culturally coded information that cannot be accurately translated. We invite you to think about the value of inclusive language practices that take different language needs into consideration from the beginning. This roundtable unites researchers and filmmakers to discuss language practices they've explored in their work, sharing insights and best practices.  
 
Case Study: Okédoeibedankt  
Speaker: Nicole van Kilsdonk & Martha Mojet 
 
Okédoeibedankt is a film about two young girls on a roadtrip to Paris and is largely told in Dutch sign language. Director Nicole van Kilsdonk and casting director Martha Mojet share stories from the process of making of this film, from casting to writing the script and filming on set. What lessons can they share with other professionals to promote the more common use of different languages in film, and to ensure the sustained inclusion of people that speak various languages both in front of the camera and behind the scenes? 

Nicole van Kilsdonk 
Nicole van Kilsdonk (1965) is a director and scriptwriter. After finishing the School for Journalism, van Kilsdonk went to the Dutch Film Academy in Amsterdam and graduated in 1991 with the film ‘Post Reykjavik’. After making a few documentaries, she specialized in writing and directing fiction films. Her work could be called a ‘crossover’: stories about the times in which we live told in an accessible way, in which directing the actors is her first interest. Over the years, she made various films for grown-ups as well as for children. In particular the family films ‘Taking Chances’ and ‘The day my father became a bush’ became worldwide successes and won many prizes at international filmfestivals.  Van Kilsdonk is currently finishing the Chinese-Dutch tv film ‘Happy Palace.’  She is also working on the feature film ‘Breakwater’ (Noodweer) together with writer Marijke Schemer, based on her successful book and developing a new family film with writer Jeanine Cronie - who attended Cinekid Lab in 2022. 

Martha Mojet 
Being born in The Hague (1965) and raised in Drenthe, Martha went to a college of education to become a teacher for primary school. After a few years of teaching she started in 1993 as a children’s coach on the set of Madelief, a series after one of her favorite children’s books, directed by Ineke Houtman. She discovered there had to be someone to find the children in series and films and when Ineke made Madelief 2 in 1995, Martha asked if she could do the casting. Since Madelief 2 aired people started calling and they never stopped. So… Martha Mojet Kindercasting was born! Martha and her team did the children’s casting for several productions including Minoes, Het Paard van Sinterklaas, De Daltons, Polleke, Aanmodderfakker, El Houb and Matties.  

 
Participatory Accessibility: Co-creating audio description with kids  
Speaker: Elena di Giovanni 
 
Participatory accessibility is a bottom-up, inclusive approach to making media and live performances accessible for young viewers with sensory disabilities. It involves working with them on making a film, or a theatrical performance, enjoyable by all, in line with the principles of inclusive design and the concept of equity rather than equality.  
Using theatrical performances as a case in point, and focusing on blind children, this session aims to highlight strategies and activities that can be carried out to promote inclusion and to enhance empowerment. Children with visual disabilities, often excluded from the enjoyment of media and live events, become co-creators. 

Elena di Giovanni 
Elena Di Giovanni is Professor of English Translation and Accessibility at the University of Macerata, where she is also Chair of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses in translation and interpreting. She is Director of the international MA programme in Accessibility to Media, Arts and Culture. From 2016 to 2021, she was President of ESIST, the European Association for Studies in Screen Translation. Since 2013, she gives workshops on translation and accessibility at the Venice International Film Festival (27 Times Cinema programme). In 2019, she was Fulbright Distinguished Chair at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she taught media accessibility. In 2019, she delivered a TED X talk on accessibility and inclusion. She is coordinator of a number of accessibility and inclusion projects throughout Italy: at the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, at Teatro alla Scala in Milano, Teatro Grande in Brescia, Teatro Pavarotti Freni in Modena, Teatro Sferisterio in Macerata (since 2008). A full list of over 100 publications is available here. 

The Power of Earcatch: Audio-description in the Dutch Context  
Speaker: Ellen Schut 
 
Earcatch is a Dutch app that offers audio descriptions for numerous films and TV series. You can download and play these descriptions via the app, and they automatically sync with the audio in the cinema or on your TV or computer. During dialogue pauses, a voice-over narrates visual elements from the film, such as characters, facial expressions, and locations. Project leader Ellen Schut will talk about the practice of creating audio descriptions (AD) for film, the particular factors to take into consideration when creating AD for films for a young audience and why more filmmakers should consider making AD available for their projects.    

Ellen Schut 
Ellen Schut is Manager Access Services for Earcatch, offering an audio description solution to people who are blind or visually impaired. In The Netherlands, Earcatch is managed by the Dutch Audiovisual Accessibility Foundation (Stichting Audiovisuele Toegankelijkheid, SAVT), to which Ellen is connected as project leader. This foundation aims to make audiovisual media and culture in The Netherlands more accessible. 

Preserving and Presenting Artistic Legacies 

Heritage can teach us about our shared histories and demonstrates the creative work of important artists that have come before us. Museums, foundations, and cultural institutions play a vital role in safeguarding this heritage for generations to come. They employ innovative methods to make heritage resonate with younger generations, who are exposed to a wide array of art and educational materials, and help children appreciate their own everyday experiences as valuable content to be preserved and shared. In this roundtable, experts delve into the artistic legacies they're dedicated to preserving, sharing, and even creating. 
 
Sharing histories with the Maasdamme collectie  
Speaker: Bianca Maasdamme & Peggy Reiziger 
 
Bianca Maasdamme & Peggy Reiziger are the proud nieces of Rita Maasdamme, their aunt, who created a beautiful collection of dioramas consisting of dolls that she called “creatures” or “creations” (creaturen) - a title she gave them because they are more than dolls, they portray the stories of real people. With the collection, Maasdamme portrayed the history of Dutch colonialism and slavery and its continued effects in the present. The collection now allows her family to continue to tell these stories of our shared history.  
Peggy and Bianca each do so in their own way. Peggy, drawing from her expertise in engaging children with both new and old stories, brings them to life through dance and movement. Bianca, an expert in diversity, inclusion, and equality, engages in conversations with adults. These conversations revolve around one's own role and responsibility in discussions about equality. Combining their strengths, they teach and facilitate conversations with both children and adults about these important topics. Their roundtable session will be an interactive experience in which our shared history takes centre stage. 

The collection of diorama's by Rita Maasdamme (1944-2016) uniquely tells the (hi)stories of the former Dutch colonies from the perspective of enslaved people, Maroons, and indigenous populations. Rita Maasdamme noticed that these topics were rarely, if ever, taught in schools, and she wanted to bring these stories to the attention of a broad audience through her dioramas, which consist of realistic, humanlike dolls she referred to as 'creations'. Recently, the collection was exhibited at the Amsterdam Museum, where significant emphasis was placed on the educational potential of the collection. What opportunities does Rita Maasdamme's collection offer to familiarize a young audience with this history and its ongoing impact in the present? What can we learn from Rita Maasdamme's approach to tell this very real history using fabric dolls? Bianca Maasdamme and Peggy Reiziger, close relatives of Rita Maasdamme, reflect on these and other questions during this roundtable session. 

Peggy Reiziger & Bianca Maasdamme 
Peggy Reiziger and Bianca Maasdamme are the proud nieces of Rita Maasdamme, their aunt, who created a beautiful collection of dioramas consisting of dolls that she called “creatures” or “creations” (creaturen) - a title she gave them because they are more than dolls, they portray the stories of real people.  Peggy and Bianca now carry on those stories - each in their own way. Peggy, drawing from her expertise in engaging children with both new and old stories, brings them to life through dance and movement. Bianca, an expert in diversity, inclusion and equality, engages in conversations with adults. These conversations revolve around one's own role and responsibility in discussions about equality. Combining their strengths, they teach and facilitate conversations with both children and adults about these important topics.   

Fiep Westendorp's Legacy: the story of Pim and Pom  
Speaker: Gioia Smid 
 
The adventures of the two cats Pim and Pom were written and illustrated for the newspaper Het Parool in the nineteen fifties and sixties. When Gioia Smid started archiving the illustrations of Fiep Westendorp, the original Pim and Pom drawings were still missing in the more than 9000 illustrations that were stored everywhere in Fiep’s house.   
After more than a year of archiving the cleaning lady accidently discovered big piles of original drawings in the bathroom cabinets. The revival of Pim and Pom started from there:  
Gioia initiated and directed an animated series based on the illustrations. The rest is history: 56 episodes of 5 minutes animation about The Adventures of Pim & Pom (2009-2012), and an animated movie ‘Pim & Pom; The Big Adventure’ (2014) and the new series ‘Pim & Pom at the Museum’ in 2021 followed. Join this roundtable session to discover more about the wonderful story of Pim & Pom, and the importance of preserving icon heritage in children's media.  
 
Gioia Smid 
Gioia Smid (1955) was personally designated by Fiep Westendorp as the guardian of her artistic legacy. For 20 years, she has been curating new books with Fiep's artwork, developing and overseeing merchandise, and reviving the beloved cats, Pim and Pom, through animated series and a feature film. Fiep's body of work is incredibly diverse but immediately recognizable due to its unique style. Fiep has created her very own universe! With everything she does, Gioia asks herself: How would Fiep have done this, and would she have approved? 
 
Marieke van Middelkoop 
Marieke van Middelkoop graduated with honors from HKU in 2002 with a degree in Image and Media Technology. Since then, she has worked as an animator, art director, and animation director for children's television, theater, apps, and educational projects. She serves as the Art & Animation Director for "Pim & Pom" and "StoryZoo." Marieke has contributed her talents to well-known series like "Knofje," "Sesamstraat," "Sinterklaasjournaal," "Klokhuis," and "Studio Snugger." In addition to her animation work, she authored an educational children's book, "Wilde Bijen Parade," and wrote scripts for various episodes of "StoryZoo.” 
 
Engaging Young Audiences with the Rijksmuseum Collection  
Speaker: Oiwai Yiu & Evita Goettsch
 
 
Preserving artifacts, sharing timeless stories, and researching their origins: Who wore this? Who owned it? From which era did it come? And, is it genuine? Museums like the Rijksmuseum constantly ponder these questions, and our young visitors are equally curious. Understanding the vital role young people play as our future generation, the Rijksmuseum places immense importance on fostering their education, imagination, and curiosity. Join Oiwai Yiu and Evita Goettsch as they share insights from the museum's education and innovation department. They'll delve into the challenge and importance of engaging young minds, drawing them closer to the Rijksmuseum collection. Let's discuss: In an age where digital innovation blurs the lines of reality, how do we define what's truly real?" 
 
Oiwai Yiu 
Oiwai Yiu is a passionate creative who works to foster connections among people, and education is her means to achieve that. This inclination manifested itself early in her life: in designing workshops for the elderly on new media to help them connect with their loved ones and in facilitating conversations between the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Banne (Amsterdam-Noord). She graduated from the University of the Arts as an applied game designer, focusing on the challenge of making museum visits more accessible for illiterate individuals. Today, she continues to explore the most effective ways to meet the needs of her target audience, and she channels this out-of-the-box thinking into the cultural sector as part of the education department at the Rijksmuseum. 
 
Evita Goettsch 
Preserving artifacts, sharing timeless stories, and researching their origins: Who wore this? Who owned it? From which era did it come? And, is it genuine? Museums like the Rijksmuseum constantly ponder these questions, and our young visitors are equally curious. Understanding the vital role young people play as our future generation, the Rijksmuseum places immense importance on fostering their education, imagination, and curiosity. Join Oiwai Yiu and Evita Goettsch as they share insights from the museum's education and innovation department. They'll delve into the challenge and importance of engaging young minds, drawing them closer to the Rijksmuseum collection. Let's discuss: In an age where digital innovation blurs the lines of reality, how do we define what's truly real?" 
 
Collecting Stories with Radio Cinekid  
Speaker: Linde Dorenbosch 
 
The best podcast creators have known it all along: you don't have to go far to find a good story. Most stories can be found right on your street, and with a bit of luck, it might be on your own street. In the five lessons of Radio Cinekid, children (aged 9+) create their own mini-podcast about a story they've discovered in their own neighborhood. They explore local places that are special to them and seek inspiration for their stories. From this inspiration, they develop a podcast plan and proceed to make recordings in their neighborhood for their podcast. These lessons were developed in collaboration with Stratenmakers Audiocollectief and Erfgoedwijzer with the class. Without explicitly mentioning it, the students in this series of lessons are engaged in 'heritage work': the act of sharing stories and memories about specific places or buildings. What qualifies as heritage is not determined by the teacher but by the students themselves. By focusing on the student in finding and telling stories about meaningful places, they sow the seeds for their own new heritage. The result of the five Radio Cinekid lessons is a 5-minute podcast that can be heard at the Cinekid Festival for all participating children. 
 
Linde Dorenbosch 
Linde Dorenbosch is an Educational Staff Member at Cinekid. In this role, she develops lessons, produces year-round film workshops on location, and curates the Masterclass program during the Cinekid Festival. Additionally, she works as a freelance project leader in the cultural sector. 
 

Challenging Dominant Narratives in Kids’ Entertainment 

There are continuous demands for the increased representation of, for example, a variety of gender expressions, abilities and sexualities in media. Instead of presenting overdone stereotypes and repeating familiar tropes, the call is for characters and storylines that more people can recognize themselves in. Decisions about what characters are represented in media and who gets to play these characters are made in the process of writing and casting. Additionally, programmers and curators shape what stories make it to cinemas, TV, and festivals. In this roundtable, different decision-makers talk about the need to challenge dominant narratives in children's media, emphasizing the importance of offering multiple perspectives. 
 
A Brief Masterclass in Inclusive Casting  
Speakers: Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld & Iraida Markus-Meerzorg 
 
The importance of having a more representative variation of actors and story lines presented in our media seems to be getting more general support, though concrete action and changes in the Dutch Film and TV-sector to achieve this have remained minimal.  KLEUR in film & tv, founded by Iraida Markus-Meerzorg and Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, therefore has as its goal to encourage policies and initiatives that work towards an equitable sector. Inclusive casting is one way to do so. In this interactive session about inclusive casting, actor and screenwriter Manoushka and Iraida guide participants through a pre-existing script to discuss in what ways inclusive casting could be achieved, while avoiding stereotypes and overplayed tropes. Focusing on children’s media, the session emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children are exposed to representative and relatable characters from a young age. 

Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld 
Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld writes, besides acting, for theatre and film.  She also composes music and is a lyricist. Her latest album is Nine Reflections on Love. As theatre maker she is affiliated with Orkater where she was part of plays as The Plague (Camu), De Gliphoeve and, at the moment, in De plantage van onze voorouders (the plantation of our ancestors). Coming soon is Netflix production Crypto Boy from director Shady El-Hamus in which she plays one of the main characters. 
 
Iraida Markus-Meerzorg 
Iraida Markus-Meerzorg has been working in the film & tv industry since 2001.  She started working as an office manager/assistant producer at the film production company IDTV Film. She started in 2008 as a talent agent at Mover Shaker & The Fame Game. In 2014 she started her own company Meerzorg Talents, a boutique talent agency representing talented actors, directors and screenwriters. 
 
The Innerworld Real: Representing Multiplicity in Pablo  
Speaker: Sumita Majumdar 
 
Sumita Majumdar will share experiences of co-writing and voice acting for Paper Owl Film’s pre-school animation Pablo, a series about an autistic child who uses an inner-mind ‘art world’ to process and play. Pablo’s inner-world processing space - which includes Pablo’s ‘Book Animal’ imagination friends - is an acknowledgement of unpathologised multiplicity. This means that people can have various ways of experiencing or thinking about something - and just like something can present differently in different people, something can present in different ways within the same person, too. Majumdar recognises the show’s potential to encourage people to think about the way they think, to grow understandings of their personal normorealities, and to respect the innerworld real. 

Sumita Majumdar 
Sumita (she/they) is an autistic arts-expresser / writer / performer (Sumita Unjumbled / IndoorGoblin), autistic researcher (MSc Creative Arts & Mental Health graduate - Queen Mary University of London), neurodivergent mentor, and co-writer / voice actor of CBeebies’ show ‘Pablo’ (Paper Owl Films) (about an autistic child who uses an inner artworld to process and play). Sumita is a creative facilitator, on projects including ‘Can’t Sit Still’s ‘Being Me’, co-creating spaces for autistic beingness. Research interests / previous presentation topics include: imagination tools for mental wellness, inner-worlds, performance of selves, autistic imagination, autism & psychosis, autism & OCD, live art, normodivergentness, normorealities, mixed identity things, inner-mind multiplicity, songwriting therapy / arts therapies, and Permission to Be. 
 
Presenting Various Narratives in Film Festival Programs  
Speakers: Hidde de Vries & Daniela Persico 
 
Picking from various submissions, film festival programmers play an important role in deciding what an audience gets to see. The Industry Forum will facilitate a discussion between programmers Hidde de Vries (Cinekid) and Daniela Persico (Locarno Film Festival), as they talk about the variety of narratives they encounter in submissions and what factors they take into consideration when creating a festival line-up. In this session, we invite them to reflect critically reflecting on their own practice and the responsibility they carry when deciding what narratives are presented to the audience.    
 
Hidde de Vries 
Hidde de Vries is a graduate of the Netherlands Film Academy and DAS Graduate School. He is the founder of Kapitein Kort, a distributor of short films. He currently works as Head of Film & Series at Cinekid Festival in the Netherlands. 
 
Daniela Persico 
Daniela Persico (Treviso, 1981) is film critic and programmer, based in Milan. She is the Head of special events (Locarno Kids, Residency, Spring Academy) and she is part of the selection committee of Locarno Film Festival. She's founder and editor in chief of the online quarterly Filmidee (www.filmidee.it) and she manages the Filmidee Summer School. She's in the selection's committee of International Film Festival Mannheim Heidelberg (Germany), she is consultant for Nara Film Festival (Japon), Festival dei Popoli (Florence, Italy) and ISreal – Festival di cinema del reale (Nuoro, Italy). She wrote essays for various collective books and edited books on the work of Claire Simon (2008), Wang Bing (2010), Ross McElwee (2013) and Emmanuel Carrère (2014). In 2022, she was appointed artistic director of the Bellaria Film Festival. 

A Deepdive into the Expanding World of Neon Wild  
Matt Weckel 
 
Following his morning keynote, this roundtable provides an additional opportunity for Matt Weckel to share details of the story of creating Neon Wild and for you to ask your burning questions!   
 
Matt Weckel 
Matt is the CEO & co-founder of Neon Wild, the world's first personalized family entertainment platform whose mission is to empower kids all over the world to see themselves as heroes. Born and raised in New York City, Matt began his career as a filmmaker and then pivoted to become a software engineer in order to build the stories of the future and connect with audiences in brand-new ways. Prior to Neon Wild, Matt served as a creative executive for ground-breaking technology companies across media, XR and even 3D printing. He is the proud father of two wild boys and is married to the best woman in the world. 

Promoting Creativity, Interaction and Self-Expression Through Kids’ Digital Engagement

AI and digital systems have become integral to our daily lives, reshaping how we go about our routines. While this shift can be significant for some, many children are growing up in a world where these technologies are the norm. Researchers and designers are exploring innovative ways to enable children to engage with digital tools, with a specific emphasis on fostering creativity, enhanced interaction, and novel forms of self-expression. In our roundtable, we delve into various examples that highlight the meaningful interactions between children and digital tools and systems. The discussion showcases the ways in which these technologies are enriching the lives of kids, offering new avenues for personal development and creative expression. 
 
Impacting Creativity and Human Interaction with AI   
Speaker: Karolina La Fors 
 
Research led by Karolina La Fors reports that if it’s up to the children, AI-systems should be used in ethical, social and human-oriented ways. With her findings, La Fors has shown the inherent value of involving children’s perception on AI-systems, as they have a unique ability to sense values and draw ethical boundaries. Creativity and human connection are important factors to benefit a child’s development. How are these processes continuously affected by AI-systems, and what is the long-term impact of this on a child? This session discusses these and other research findings, and explores the entangling connection of children, ethics, individual and societal development and AI-systems. 

Karolina La Fors 
Karolina La Fors is a Senior Researcher in Responsible AI at the DesignLab of the University of Twente (The Netherlands). She is also a Generation AI Fellow at the World Economic Forum, listed as 1. Her main research interest is around how to design AI that accounts for ethics, children rights and children’s healthy development within children-AI interactions. Her interest lies in promoting more meaningful child participation within a transdisciplinary infrastructure with AI developers, NGOs, parents, societal partners and others in order to stimulate dialogue and creativity so that youth-centric AI and AI-centric youth guidance can be facilitated. 
 
“Spiegelstem” - A New Way to Express and Cope With Your Emotions  
Speakers: Rian Evers & Joanneke Weerdmeester (Monobanda) 

A storm in your head. The feeling that you are exploding. A red haze of anger. We don’t always have our emotions under control. Spiegelstem (Visible Voice) offers an artistic outlet for difficult feelings. Spiegelstem is an interactive experience that you control by shouting, singing, humming, stomping and running around. With these vocal and physical expressions you control the light projection of the installation to create an interactive painting of your own emotions. Spiegelstem helps you to vent and relax and provides new, creative ways to express and communicate what you feel.  
Spiegelstem is being developed in co-creation with two care facilities and their clients, and is especially aimed at helping children and young people with complex needs. In their session, researcher Dr. Joanneke Weerdmeester and project leader Rian Evers will explain how the installation works and how it can help players express, cope with- and talk about their emotions. 

Monobanda  
Monobanda is an award winning studio that explores and expands the boundaries of play and interaction. Their projects connect the human body, physical space and the virtual world in surprising ways, creating new forms of meaningful play that find their way into art, science and education. 

The Importance of Youth Participation in AI Development  
Speaker: Karolina La Fors 
 
“Conversational AI system innovations pervade exponentially the daily lives of youth, yet their implications on youth are unknown. Expectations of positive and negative conversational AI influences on the individual and societal development of youth are vast and require transdisciplinary research. The Dutch “AI4Youth Ethical, Legal and Social Impacts of AI Lab” (for more on the lab please see information here: https://nlaic.com/use-cases/elsa-lab-ai4youth/) sets out to foster a transdisciplinary ecosystem for research where meaningful intergenerational and multi-stakeholder dialogue can take place about the impacts of AI on youth. This round table discussions invites professionals to reflect upon: why is youth participation important from the perspective of AI development, the creative industry and society with AI? 

Karolina La Fors 
Karolina La Fors is a Senior Researcher in Responsible AI at the DesignLab of the University of Twente (The Netherlands). She is also a Generation AI Fellow at the World Economic Forum, listed as 1. Her main research interest is around how to design AI that accounts for ethics, children rights and children’s healthy development within children-AI interactions. Her interest lies in promoting more meaningful child participation within a transdisciplinary infrastructure with AI developers, NGOs, parents, societal partners and others in order to stimulate dialogue and creativity so that youth-centric AI and AI-centric youth guidance can be facilitated. 

Cinekid Case Studies

 
At both Fantastic(al) Storytelling roundtables, we delve into case studies and conversations that play with the theme ‘Is it real?’ in their own ways. From animated characters to real people, figments of your imagination to physical apparitions and genuine experiences to extravagant fantasies – creators of media play with a variety of elements that make up the reality in which their project exists. In each of the sessions, makers will delve into their own practice and the fantastic(al) stories they create.

Case Study: Snot & Splash  
Speaker: Jani Pösö 
 
How do you create a film that is relevant for humans and suitable for kids? Jani Pösö, producer and concept-developer of Snot & Splash,will offer his reflections on this intriguing creative challenge. The session will span various facets of the creative process, from creating the concept to securing funding and the decision to move away from VFX during shooting.  The film, described as a cyber-punk comedy for all ages, earned the Eurimages Co-production Development Award at Cinekid 2019, making it a noteworthy case study. 
 
Jani Pösö 
Jani Pösö, the CEO of It’s Alive Films, is a producer and screenwriter. He has produced 7 feature films and 3 TV-series, all of them internationally acclaimed. Jani wrote and produced his 1st (and only) theatre play in 1996, first short film in 2006 and first feature in 2011 and first book in 2018. He is also behind It’s Alive Films’s multi-remade TV-format Mental, and is a co-creator of the concept of Snot&Splash. Last feature film launched, The Blind Man Who did not want to see Titanic (Audience award in Venice Film festival 2021), last TV-series, Mister 8 (Best series Cannes Series 2021), Last short film All Inclusive (Cannes competition 2019). Right now Jani is working on launching two new Its Alive feature films, Death is a problem for the living and Snot and Splash. 

Creating Sam and Julia
Speakers: Ian & Manita Schaapman 
 
“Het Muizenhuis” was conceived and created by Karina Schaapman. What began as a children's book has grown into a global children's brand, including toys, craft products, a Mini Museum, numerous book products, and soon the international television series “Sam and Julia”. Karina's four children are the driving force behind this children's brand, each with their own role within the family business. Ian Schaapman is the Ian is the driving force behind the business side and is always on the lookout for valuable collaborations that enrich the brand. Manita Schaapman develops  products, takes care of marketing, and manages e-commerce.  
 
Case study: Zeevonk  
Domien & Wendy Huyghe 
 
In Zeevonk (Sea Sparkle), Scriptwriter Wendy Huyghe and director Domien uyghe tell the story of 11-year old Lena, who unexpectedly loses her father as he is killed in a fishing accident at sea. She believes that a mysterious sea monster capsized his ship. Whether the sea monster in the film is ‘real’ or a figment of Lena's imagination is left unanswered and is up for the viewer to be interpreted. At the Industry Forum, Domien and Wendy speak about the many decisions made to negotiate between the real and the imagined, and how this brings the reality of a child dealing with loss to life. The development of the project from script to screen will also be touched upon.     
While the story can be largely fictitious, the experienced emotions for the team working on the film can be very real. Because of this, ways of taking care of the team (including child actors) whilst working on emotionally heavy topics will also be discussed.    
 
Domien Huyghe 
Domien Huyghe (b. 1988) is a Belgian award winning film director and screenwriter.  His debut feature film SEA SPARKLE (A Private View) was the opening film of the Berlin International Film Festival as part of the Generation section and was awarded the Special Mention Best Film of the children’s jury Berlinale Generation Kplus 2023. The film was developed during the Cinekid Script- & Director’s lab, was selected for the Berlinale Coproduction Market and won the ECFA award 2023. He is currently developing his next feature film AMARI (Selected for the Torino Filmlab Extended 2022 & Torino Script lab 2023) and a TV series SKATE OR HATE, (Selected for the Torino SeriesLab 2021).  Domien is also a Midpoint TV Launch alumni and received international recognition for his short film MAVERICK (2017). His work often features themes such as coping with loss and reconnecting with family and he is always searching for innovative  ways to bring such themes to a large audience. 
 
Wendy Huyghe  
 Wendy Huyghe (Belgium) has spent over 15 years creating portraits of people from around the world through reports and mini-documentaries for newspapers and humanitarian organizations. She now draws upon this experience in her fictional work, where she enjoys crafting diverse and multi-dimensional characters within a specific and inspiring arena.Her first feature film, "Zeevonk," directed by her brother Domien Huyghe, had the honor of opening the Generation section of the Berlinale Film Festival in 2023 and received a special mention. Currently, the film is touring various international film festivals. Wendy is also working on the young adult drama series "Skate or Hate" and the feature film "Amari," which is in development within the renowned script lab of Torino Filmlab. Wendy participated in Cinekid Scriptlab (2019), Torino Series Lab (2021), Torino Filmlab Extended (Sept. 2022), and Torino Filmlab (2023) and actively engages with these networks. Her debut young adult novel, "Zeevonk," has been well-received and is nominated for De Leesjury, a prominent public award in Belgium. 
 
Case Study: Jippie No More!  
Nathalie van der Burg 
 
Cinekid’s 2023 opening film Jippie No More! introduces us to Jaap Peter, a lively 16-year-old boy who is eagerly preparing for his older sister's wedding. As the whole family rallies together to create the perfect celebration, Jaap Peter falls in love for the first time. We’re delighted to have producer Nathalie van der Burg, who produced the film alongside Iris Otten and Sander van Meurs, at this year’s Industry Forum. Join us as she sheds light on the casting process, offering insights on how they found Wesley van Klink, the actor who plays the lead role of Jaap Peter. She will reflect on the changes that were implemented in the script based on the particular qualities of the actor, thus demonstrating the pivotal role the real people involved in a film play in shaping the final product we get to witness on screen. 

Nathalie van der Burg 
Nathalie van der Burg (Rotterdam, 1977) graduated from the Netherlands Film Academy in 2004 with a specialization in production. She then spent several years working as a freelance production manager. Since 2009, Nathalie has been part of the team at Pupkin. Together with Iris Otten, she has developed and produced family dramas and author-driven feature films, including the Telefilm "Bouwdorp" (directed by Margien Rogaar), the Tiger Competition-selected debut film "Quality Time" (directed by Daan Bakker), and the youth series "Eng" and "Rudy's Grote Kerstshow." 
In 2019, their family series "Zeven Kleine Criminelen" won the Golden Calf for Best TV Drama. The high-end series "Lampje" was nominated for the Golden Calf for Best TV Drama this year. "Jippie no more!," the opening film of Cinekid, will premiere in the Netherlands in December.

How To Decide What's Appropriate 

Media creators for children carefully tailor their content to align with their young audience's interests and comprehension levels. However, what's deemed suitable for them can vary across different contexts. In this roundtable discussion, experts will talk about rating systems for children's media and dive into research practices aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of your audience's preferences. Additionally, we'll examine a case study centered around the reception of the TV series "Lampje" in various countries. The roundtable aims to foster an open dialogue and generate creative strategies for dealing with this important theme. 
 
Facilitating Informed Decisions with Common Sense Media  
Speaker: Danny Brogan 
 
Common Sense Media offers the largest and most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews for movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more. With experts in childhood development and children's media literacy, their research-based rating system helps families make informed entertainment choices for their kids. Their reviews emphasise positive messages and character strengths, while also noting potentially harmful content, and sparking conversations about important topics. In this session, Danny Brogan will explain Common Sense's methodology, illustrated by an example from the film "Superworm" (2021). 
 
Danny Brogan 
Danny Brogan is an Executive Editor and Head of Streaming at Common Sense Media, having joined the organisation in 2019. He has been an editor and writer since graduating from the London School of Journalism in 2006. Initially carving out a career as a tech journalist (he was one of the first in the U.K. to get his hands on the original iPhone), he moved into the world of inflight entertainment, editing British Airways' website along with magazines for the likes of Lufthansa, Swiss and Malaysia Airlines. He lives in London with his wife and two young daughters. When time permits, he likes nothing more than a trip to the cinema or sitting down to watch the latest must-see TV-show. 
 
Suitability vs. harmfulness. A look inside the Dutch rating system Kijkwijzer
Speaker: Martijn Huigsloot 

Join Martijn Huigsloot, Manager of Strategy and Innovation at NICAM, as he delves into the world of age ratings using the Dutch rating system, Kijkwijzer. In this session, you will gain insight into the complexities of determining harmfulness over suitability in rating the media content accessible to minors. He will showcase the scientific and cross-media approach employed by Kijkwijzer to determine age ratings, offering a unique perspective on the intricacies of safeguarding young audiences in the digital age. 
 
Martijn Huigsloot 
Martijn Huigsloot studied Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam specializing in media. He works with NICAM on innovation, strategy, and policy.
 
Case study: Lampje  
Speaker: Iris Otten  
 
The TV series 'Lampje' offers a captivating and visually rich adaptation of the renowned Dutch children's novel by Annet Schaap. Producer Iris Otten joins the Industry Forum to share her insights, delving into the creative decisions made while tackling the occasionally weighty and challenging themes from the original book. Additionally, she will reflect on the series reception in different contexts, and the challenges faced in distributing the series. The session will provide a unique insight into the process of bringing this beloved literary work to life on screen. 
 
Iris Otten 
Iris Otten (1977) is a producer at Juliet (at Pupkin). With the films and series she produces she wants to contribute to an open and optimistic society and to reach and inspire new generations by telling heartening, hopeful and witty stories.Iris graduated as a producer at the Netherlands Film and Television Academy in 2001. Her graduation film Alfred's Maassen’s Last Day was selected for Cinéfondation, Cannes. After working for several different production companies, she became partner at Pupkin in 2009. Over the years, she has built an impressive track record in producing artistic (cross over) feature films and authentic family content. Last January the family series Lampie was broadcasted by the VPRO, based on the award-winning book of Annet Schaap, directed by Margien Rogaar and written by Mieke de Jong. The latest production Jippie No More! will be the opening film of Cinekid 2023. In the meantime, the shooting of the family series Hein has started. 
 
Creating Deeper Connections to Broader Audiences with PUBLIKUM  
Speaker: Rikke Flodin 
 
What do we think our audience wants and how does that differ from what they actually want? Rikke Flodin from the platform PUBLIKUM shares the potential of audience research by illustrating cases from European films where filmmakers have used audience research from pre-development to post-production to reach a young audience. PUBLIKUM is a platform that uses AI-powered anthropology to help filmmakers create a deeper connection to a broader audience. Where the AI works to identify the zeitgeist of selected themes or markets, the anthropology ensures a deep and honest audience awareness. These tools help filmmakers get to know the needs and desires of their audience, rather than relying on assumptions and generalized ideas. 

Rikke Flodin 
Rikke is a partner at PUBLIKUM.io, a Danish-based tool for audience awareness. Within the last few years, Rikke has particularly specialised in how to reach the children and youth audience groups using digital tools and anthropological methods to facilitate the conversations with the young audience.    

Relevant Developments in MediaLab's History and Future
 

This year, Cinekid's MediaLab celebrates its 25th anniversary. In the MediaLab, children can engage creatively with art, media, and technology, allowing them to explore and gain insights into pressing societal issues. Many developments in the field of new media art have occurred since its first edition in 1998. At this roundtable, experts reflect on some of these developments and highlight ones that are happening right now. On top of that, results from several research projects that focus on children's interaction with digital tools will be shared.  
 
MediaLab Curators Reflect on the 25th Anniversary  
Speakers: Leonieke Verhoog & Paulien Dresscher 
 
Throughout the years, several curators have undertaken the exciting task of crafting Cinekid's MediaLab.  In this reflexive session, we explore the remarkable highlights and invaluable lessons they've gleaned along the way. We'll uncover the trajectories of artists who have showcased their work at the MediaLab and delve into the significance of their participation for their careers. Furthermore, we venture into the realm of possibilities, contemplating what lies in store for the future of the MediaLab. Join us for a reflective conversation with Paulien Dresscher, former Head of New Media at Cinekid (2011-2016), and Leonieke Verhoog, the current Head of New Media at Cinekid, as they share their insights and answer questions. 
 
Leonieke Verhoog 
Leonieke has been wandering around the digital culture landscape for about 15 years and loves to connect technology, creativity and play, especially when it brings people together. She started the global FigureRunning movement, where you simultaneously run and draw shapes with your GPS location, and other people have to guess what you are drawing. She also worked for 3VOOR12 and Dutch Public Broadcaster VPRO as a digital project leader, editor-in-chief and cross-media concept developer. She explored the narrative qualities of various new media tools at VPRO Medialab and as a digital storyteller for Museum De Lakenhal, as well as at NFF and Cinekid. In addition, she is an advisor for the digital culture committee at Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute of Sound and Vision.  Currently, Leonieke is Head of New Media at Cinekid.   
 
Paulien Dresscher 
Paulien Dresscher is working as an independent curator and researcher in the field of culture and digital media. Currently she curates the Digital Culture program of the Nederlands Film Festival, the art program of Into The Great Wide Open. In 2021 she is the festival curator of the Noorderlicht Festival in Groningen and is part of the programming team of the PublicSpaces Conference #1 in Amsterdam. She is teaching Media Philosophy and Curating Interactive Storytelling at Utrecht University.  
  
Paulien Dresscher is living with her husband and daughter on a sailing ship in the center of Amsterdam and holds a Bachelor degree of Media and Fine Arts from Minerva Academy in Groningen, as well as both Master degree in New Media and Research Master degree in Media Studies from the University of Amsterdam. 
 
An Introduction to Virtual Production 
Speaker: Merel Booleman 
 
Virtual production is an emerging technique in the film industry where two worlds meet: gaming and cinema. Simply put, virtual production is a technique in which a green screen is replaced with a (curved) LED screen. One of the advantages is that it reduces the time spent on post-production, allowing for more focus on pre-production. This provides the opportunity to involve multiple disciplines during the preparations and shooting phase, enabling creative decisions to be made and visualized by multiple parties. In this way, the virtual set becomes part of the physical one. The possibilities are endless, but so are the challenges. Merel Booleman will provide an introduction in Virtual Production and its potential for filmmaking. 

Merel Booleman 
Having graduated as a Film Scientist, Merel Booleman have been working in the media industry as a projectmanager and screenwriter. Her focus is on film, talent development, and entrepreneurship among young adults and kids. She enjoys exploring the boundaries of storytelling within new technologies such as VR and Virtual Production. In her role as project manager at the XR Lab, she is responsible for formulating the research questions and terms of the projects with various kinds of partners. The XR Lab is an innovation lab where a team of students and teachers conducts research for companies, exploring the potential of immersive media and its application. For Cinekid, they developed the interactive VR-installation ‘Potion Party’ where children have the opportunity to brew the most fantastic and improbable potions themselves. Stepping into the shoes of a wizard, they transform the virtual ánd physical world around them with each concoction, immersing even bystanders in the magic. 

A decade of VR productions, what have we learned?   
Speaker: Marnix van Gisbergen 
 
In this roundtable, Marnix van Gisburgen will discuss the added value of virtual reality over traditional media and how to make use of this (to teach and engage youth). Using VR examples created in the past ten years, he will explore how to formulate and create experiences jn VR, argue whether or not VR is suitable to tell stories and when to (not) choose VR over traditional movie productions. He will use results from the latest studies around VR productions and virtual humans within and outside the domain of entertainment. 
 
Marnix van Gisbergen 
Marnix van Gisbergen (1974) is a professor ‘Digital Media Concepts’ at Breda University of applied Sciences (AGM: Academy of AI, Games and Media). He is jury member of the European Digital Communication Awards, Curator board member of Chronosphere (Volumetric Capturing collaboration), co-founder of CRADLE and Experience lab (BUas) and was a Professor Media Enriched Sport Experiences. The main goal within his professorship is to help brands to realize an immersive media (VR, AR, XR) strategy based on media context connectivity. With an international team of media researchers, game developers and students, Marnix is involved in several innovative VR related National and European funded projects (total value over €15M). In the past years Marnix created and tested VR and AR projects for organizations such as Aegon, Effenaar, 4DR studios, Heinz, DPG Media, Samsung, Sony, VodafoneZiggo, United Nations, Schola Medica, Thermo Fisher, Novadic Kentron, KOOLE, PSV, Warner Music Benelux and several broadcasters and museums. State-of-the-art production labs are created and used such as the innovative Virtual Production and Photogrammetry Studio, to create virtual worlds and humans.  
 
Effects and Strategies of Digital Literacy Games  
Speaker: Teresa de la Hera 
 
In this session, Teresa de la Hera will present the results of a research project on the use of digital games to support the acquisition of digital literacy competences conducted by Erasmus University Rotterdam and Utrecht University. The results include insights from an analysis of 100 digital literacy games, providing an overview of what type of games are on the market, which digital literacy competencies they cover and which are the strategies used by these games. The presentation will also include academic insights on the use of digital literacy games, including how much we know about their effects so far, and which are design strategies that have been scientifically tested. 

Teresa de la Hera 
Teresa de la Hera is Assistant Professor of Persuasive Gaming at Erasmus University. Her expertise is particularly related to understanding how digital games and new media technologies can be used as media for communication and tools for engagement, motivation, and persuasion. She conducts research at the Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture where she is member of the Research Cluster Gaming Matters. De la Hera is author of the book Digital Gaming and the Advertising Landscape (2019) and editor of the volume Persuasive Gaming in Context (2021), both published by Amsterdam University Press. She is also PI of the funded research projects “Digital Literacy Games: Digital games designed to support digital literacy skills acquisition” and “Ice-skating game to foster intercultural interaction”.