HAFF Unveils 2016 Dutch Grand Prix Nominees

Films nominated for the Grand Prix for Best Dutch Animation at HAFF 2016 are ‘Andrej’ by Julia Veldman c, ‘De Staat: Witch Doctor’ by Floris Kaayk/Studio Smack, and Professional Award for Dutch Animation winner ‘Zeezucht’ (‘Jonas and the Sea’) by Marlies van der Wel.

‘Zeezucht’ (‘Jonas and the Sea’) by Marlies van der Wel wins the Professional Award for Dutch Animation at HAFF 2016.

On Wednesday, March 16, the opening night of HAFF 2016, the Professional Award for Dutch Animation was presented to Zeezucht (Jonas and the Sea) by Marlies van der Wel. Zeezucht tells the story of a boy who stakes everything to pursue his dream: find a place to call home. He would love to swim with the fish and builds a smart device to dive with.

Nominations for the Grand Prix for Best Dutch Animation were also unveiled. In addition to Zeezucht, the nominated films are Andrej by Julia Veldman c and De Staat: Witch Doctor by Floris Kaayk/Studio Smack.

In Andrej, Andrei Ivanovich is astonished when the water he spits into suddenly turns black. Instantly, his world is turned topsy-turvy. De Staat: Witch Doctor is the official music video for De Staat, showcasing a mesmerizing performance in an ash-grey environment with abundant special effects, steroids, and spectacular mass choreography.

Melting POP, a highly original stop-motion film featuring a chocolate cake by Alexandre Dubosc (France), was named the 2016 HAFFTube winner.

HAFF 2016 runs March 16-20 in Utrecht.

Source: Holland Animation Film Festival

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.