A Night to Remember: Celebrating Dutch Cinema Excellence On September 27, 2024, the 44th edition of the Nederlands Film Festival (NFF) came to a gr
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Dutch Cinema Excellence
On September 27, 2024, the 44th edition of the Nederlands Film Festival (NFF) came to a grand conclusion with the much-anticipated Gouden Kalveren Gala at the Stadsschouwburg Utrecht. This year, 24 prestigious Gouden Kalveren awards were handed out to the top talents in Dutch film, documentary, series, and digital culture production. The expansion of the awards lineup included new categories such as “Best Scenario for Dramaseries” and “Best Documentary (Public’s Choice),” increasing the award count from 21 to 24.
The night was hosted by Soundos, with prominent figures like Utrecht’s mayor Sharon Dijksma, and celebrated filmmakers Romana Vrede, Douwe Dijkstra, Giancarlo Sánchez, and Ivan Barbosa presenting the awards to the winners. The Gouden Kalveren, often dubbed the most prestigious film awards in the Netherlands, brought together the country’s finest cinematic minds for a night of glamour and recognition.
@ Nederlands Film Festival 2024
Top Winners of the 2024 Gouden Kalveren
The 2024 awards saw a broad spectrum of winners across various genres and mediums. Below are some of the notable highlights:
- Best Public Documentary: Human Forever – Jonathan de Jong, SUPER7EVEN Productions
- Best Public Feature Film: Bon Bini: Bangkok Nights – Maarten Swart, Kaap Holland Film. Directed by Pieter van Rijn, with screenplay by Jandino Asporaat, Maarten Swart, and Michel Bonset.
- Best Feature Film Scenario: Dit is geen kerstfilm – Lotte Tabbers and Isis Mihrimah Cabolet.
- Best Feature Film Direction: Dit is geen kerstfilm – Michael Middelkoop.
- Best Actress in a Feature Film: Leny Breederveld – De Terugreis.
- Best Actor in a Dramaseries: Abke Haring – Een van ons.
- Best Feature Film: De Terugreis – Maarten Kuit and Jeroen van den Idsert, Hazazah Pictures.
The film Hardcore Never Dies made its mark by winning awards for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Sound Design, showcasing its technical excellence.
Public and Industry Tensions: The Debate on Film Subsidies
While the night was filled with celebration, it also reflected the underlying tensions within the Dutch film industry. Leading up to the gala, Johan Nijenhuis, known for films like Verliefd op Ibiza, sent an open letter to the Dutch government criticizing the Filmfonds, the body responsible for film subsidies. He argued that 80% of subsidies were going to arthouse films, with only 20% allocated to popular films that resonate with wider audiences. His letter, which was co-signed by other prominent filmmakers, called for a reevaluation of film subsidy policies, advocating for more funding for mainstream cinema.
Nijenhuis’ timing couldn’t have been more significant, given the festival’s focus on promoting audience films. The Filmfonds swiftly responded with a fact check, revealing that 40% of the subsidies in 2023 had indeed gone to mainstream films, challenging the claims of Nijenhuis and his colleagues.
The Future of NFF Amid Budget Cuts
As the festival looks ahead to its next edition in 2025, uncertainty looms due to announced budget cuts. Starting in 2025, the NFF will lose significant funding from the Utrecht municipality, amounting to a reduction of €600,000 over the next four years. This development could force the festival to further downscale, having already reduced its duration from one and a half weeks to a single week.
Despite these challenges, the Gouden Kalveren Gala 2024 stands as a testament to the resilience and creative brilliance of the Dutch film industry. The NFF’s commitment to both artistic and popular cinema ensures its continued relevance in the landscape of Dutch culture.
The next edition of the Nederlands Film Festival is scheduled from September 26 to October 3, 2025, promising another celebration of cinematic achievement.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Gouden Kalveren Gala was a celebration of Dutch talent and cinematic creativity. From established filmmakers to rising stars, the awards honored the breadth and diversity of the Dutch film industry. However, the night also served as a reminder of the ongoing debate between artistic ambition and commercial viability, a conversation that will likely shape the future of Dutch cinema for years to come.
Sari Albeder – Netherlands Film Festival 2024
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