Crescendo by Sem Dingemans | NLD | 10’

Music teacher Esther struggles to keep control of her chaotic class, until she impulsively slaps Menno, a disruptive student. To her surprise, order returns, and her authority grows. The new peace in the classroom gives her satisfaction and makes her act more strict, which culminates in a confident performance during the open day. But when Menno suddenly bursts in and the chaos flares up again with accusations, Esther stubbornly continues to conduct, while reality slowly catches up with her.

Sem Dingemans, born in 1996 on Sint Maarten and raised in Venlo, the Netherlands, has always had a passion for film. His interest in filmmaking began at a young age, leading him to work as a crew member on various short films. These experiences provided him with insight into different aspects of film production and fueled his desire to direct.

In 2022, Sem graduated from the Utrecht School of the Arts with his short drama Goudhaan (2022). His work is often inspired by personal experiences, resulting in authentic storytelling. Sem enjoys combining these personal narratives with unique locations that enhance the themes of his films. He also likes to infuse his stories with a touch of absurdism and comedy, aiming to create films that not only reflect contemporary society but are also fun and surprising to watch.

In 2024, Sem participated in CineSud ShortsLab, where he had the opportunity to realize his debut film, Wanklank (2025). This project marked a significant step in his development as a director.