Shortcurtz Amsterdam - Amsterthem - Seven Short Films of people from every heart of the city!

Shortcutz Amsterdam is a dynamic film festival and platform dedicated to promoting and nurturing emerging Dutch film talent and creating a “Shortcut” to audiences and the established industry.

On the first day of FEST, they will present a session featuring seven short film portraits of Amsterdammers from seven different neighborhoods of the city.

Abi Patat | Janna Grosfeld | NLD | 17'
Discover the soul of Amsterdam's fries baker Abi as he struggles with the demolition of his beloved snack bar.

Selahattin Vural, fondly known as Abi, is the heart of a beloved snack bar in Amsterdam's Overtoomse Veld. In 1997, this neighbourhood was plagued by adversity, including crime and unease. Abi, a symbol of resilience, emerged as a unifying figure. He isn't just a snack bar
owner; he's a philosopher who connects with everyone, earning him the nickname "The Fries Philosopher". However, Abi faces a dilemma, the local municipality plans to demolish Abi Patat in 2024. Abi Patat is more than a business; it reflects Abi's character and serves as a vital
communal space. The restaurant is Abi's stage. This documentary delves into Abi's life and his role in fostering community connections.
Yet, behind the scenes, a different Abi emerges, sharing his personal journey to the Netherlands and the snack bar's role in community bonding. In 2014, an arson attack threatened Abi Patat, but the community rallied to help it reopen. Now, Abi Patat's future is uncertain, posing the
question: "Who will Abi be without his snackbar?"

De Boys van De Barbara | Fabienne Boekel | NLD | 15'
When their wonderful school is forced to close, 3 best friends sneak back in and show us what losing their school and being split up meant for them.

Last summer, the oldest school in the city, de Barbaraschool, closed its doors after 134 years.
'De Barbara' was one of the most diverse schools in the country, representing backgrounds from nearly all continents. Few kids will remain together, as parents made quite different school choices. Three boys in 'Group 6' are best friends: a Dutch Moroccan boy, a Dutch white kid
(Fabienne's son) and an 11-year-old of Nigerian descent.
The three boys ended up at different schools and got separated. Together they sneak into the closed school building, sharing their memories with each other while showing us around. What did the closure of the school mean to them and how did it impact their friendship? What was the impact on the neighbourhood? The film tells the stories of what Oost is today and what it could be in the future - through the eyes of three 'Oost born and raised' young boys of very different backgrounds.

Gaya was here | Finn Szumlas | NLD | 13'
After her divorce, Gaya moves from one temporary solution to another on the Amsterdam housing market, struggling to find a safe and stable home for herself and her two children.

"Gaya was here". Is the story of a young "economically displaced" mother and her two young children. Who every couple of days, sometimes weeks or months , again and again have to find a new place to stay.
After her divorce 24 year old Gaya drags herself and her children from one temporarily solution to another. It's a tough challenge for her to survive in today's Amsterdam housing market, and find a safe and permanent shelter for her family. It seems like a never ending search to realize
her dream.

Maester Kwame – Lead by Example | Yve Baya | NLD | 15'
In the underprivileged Amsterdam neighbourhood Bijlmer, there's a shortage of role models for the youth. Maester Kwame tries to fill this gap.

"Lead by Example' is an intimate portrait of Kwame Agyapong-Ntra, aka Meester Kwame. The short film highlights the significance of role models within Amsterdam Southeast's black community. Meester Kwame's personal story serves as the premise to dissect the drive behind the tutoring work he's been doing for youths with migration backgrounds.
The film puts emphasis on the inspiration behind Kwame's decision to follow in his father's footsteps, setting off a chain reaction that has positively impacted over a thousand children in his community.
This portrait is an emotional yet hopeful love letter to the saying "Each one Teach one" that showcases the power of these words when transformed into practice. The poetically bittersweet tone of the film addresses two sides of the same coin. It is, on one hand, a celebration of Kwame's achievements, and on the other, a reality check into the everyday challenges faced by the children he guides, as well as their families."

Chico | Sophie van Bree | NLD | 11'
The symbiotic relationship between Leendert and his parrot symbolises the humans and their longing for connection.

"In a small house in Amsterdam West, the down-to-earth 72-year-old Leendert lives with his parrot Chico under one roof. Chico, the main character in Leendert's life, is a deeply wise Ara. Leendert shares his unconditional love for her through spending day and night with her around
home. Traditions like showering after waking up in her bedroom keep them tied tight to each
other.

While Chico keeps on growing, with a life expectancy of 90 or 100 years, Leendert knows he is becoming older and more fragile. When Leendert's health is deteriorating; his main worry is that Chico keeps on eating and drinking. He is wondering who will be taking care of Chico if he won't
be able to do it anymore.

The symbiotic relationship between Leendert and his parrot symbolises the humans and their longing for connection. In the visual yet poetic experiment, we explore Leendert's intimate relationship with his Ara. How far do you go for your love?"

God is Light | Nissim Khalifa | NLD | 9'
Rabbi Dovi explores the relationship between Jewish heritage and Amsterdam's diverse communities and religions during Hanukkah.

In "God is Light" we travel through the cultural landscape of Amsterdam and the connection with the Jewish heritage with the community in District Zuid (South). The film celebrates hope and spiritual connection, even between religions. Is that still possible in light of the events of the past year?
We follow Rabbi Dovi during the time of Hanukkah. We learn about the history of the arrival of Portuguese Jews in Amsterdam, but at the same time see how the Rabbi visits a variety of people. Such as a Jewish Israeli and his Dutch partner, a man. They ask God's blessing and protection for their home by installing a "Mezuzah".
During a Hanukkah celebration, Rabbi Dovi lights candles in the midst of a diverse group. He
shares his personal anecdote of a light in current dark times. Walking along a number of stumbling stones, laid in memory of deported Jews during the Second World War, the Rabbi talks to passers-by about the lessons of the past.
In conclusion, Rabbi Dovi reflects on the essential freedom of religion and tells us about how he and a Muslim friend exchange appropriate wishes on each other's religious holidays.

Delicious Solitude | Masha Gurova | NLD | 17'
Left by her husband, Hanneke runs her restaurant alone. Can solitude be fulfilling?

At the age of 40, Hanneke's life took an unexpected turn when her husband left her abruptly after 14 years of marriage. All he left behind was a note on the kitchen table, and she never saw him again and never had a family of her own.
Now, at 64, Hanneke has been the owner of her own restaurant for 24 years. She is the only person who works at her Bouchon Lyonnais in the centre of Amsterdam, she does it all - from handling supplies, cooking, and serving more than 10 tables to keeping the place spotless. This
film explores whether it is possible (or not) to be alone, but not lonely.

About Shortcutz Amsterdam

More than a film festival, more than a film platform, more than a networking place. Shortcutz Amsterdam is the Netherlands' premier platform dedicated exclusively to promoting new Dutch film talent. Through weekly screenings, annual awards, and international collaborations, Shortcutz connects emerging filmmakers with established industry professionals, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates innovation and creativity in Dutch cinema.