Two Animation Design graduation films selected for the Netherlands Film Festival Design

Great news for Animation Design alumni Neyschme Yanarico and Husam Zakaraya. Their graduation films have been selected for the Dutch Film Festival. Neyschme's animation Little Pie in the Sky and Husam's animation REM-slaap will be screened during the festival from September 20 to 27, 2024.

This year, 44 films made by graduates of Dutch film and art academies have been selected for the NFF Student Competition 2024. The number of submissions was exceptionally high this time, with more than 120 productions. The nominations from this selection will be announced on September 10. There are various prizes to be won that can help filmmakers get off to a flying start.

About Little Pie in the Sky

In this animation by Neyschme, a young cat boy dreams of playing with his cuddly toy. While playing, however, he increasingly notices the presence of a black door, which he can no longer ignore. He wants to reach for the door, but his cuddly toy mysteriously pulls him away every time. What could this mean? This short film revolves around themes such as sadness, loss, and the longing for something unattainable. Hence the title Little Pie in the Sky, which refers to the pursuit of something unrealistic. In this case, the boy longs for the warmth of a past that is no longer within his reach.

About REM slaap

Husam's animation REM sleep explores the human condition, particularly in the Middle East, where themes such as suffering, war, and death are everyday realities.
The animation is based on Husam's personal experiences as a Syrian refugee and also refers to the Al Tadamon massacre in 2013, in which soldiers loyal to the Syrian regime executed 41 people. By telling the story in an absurd and seemingly random way, Husam aims to paint a picture of human suffering and the ongoing search for meaning.