What lies beneath beauty or silence? Laughter or fighting? Under the Surface is a one-time screening of four short animated films, hosted by Willem de Kooning Academie alumni Oleksandra Davydenko and Souffiën Melad. With the support of WORM, they are joined by former classmates Leja Kancerevyčiūtė, Adelen Holt and Bonne Steinz to celebrate the work they made during their graduation periods.

Under the Surface brings together films that reveal what usually remains unspoken, each in its own way: from stop motion sets to new and experimental animation software, from comedy to poetic self-reflection.

Join us to watch these small treasures and hear more from the filmmakers during the Q&As about their process and future projects. And, just as importantly, to meet each other over a cool drink from the bar.

Location: WORM, Boomgaardstraat 71, 3012 XL Rotterdam
16:30–17:00 Walk in
17:00–18:30 Screening and Q&As
● Fryd – Adelen Holt
● Mr Sun&Miss Universe – Souffiën Melad
● Een Olifant in de Porseleinkast – Bonne Steinz
18:30 - 20:00 Drinks at the Wunderbar

Fryd
by Adelen Holt
2025 / the Netherlands / 6:39 min. / English-spoken

A struggling girl ruins her friendship with Fryd with a kiss underneath the surface.

Mr Sun&Miss Universe
by Souffiën Melad
2025 / the Netherlands / 6:59 min. / English-spoken

When superstar Louis (also known as "Mr Sun" for his golden locks and grand personality) realizes that he is going bald, he embarks on a cosmic journey in which he reevaluates his relationship to his aging body.

Een Olifant in de Porseleinkast
by Bonne Steinz
2024 / the Netherlands / runtime TBA / Dutch-spoken, English subtitles

A tower filled with delicate treasures learns to open its doors to an unexpected visitor. As they explore the wonders inside, both the tower and the guest embark on a journey of self-discovery and the power of connection.

**Memories in Bloom **
by Evelijn Neefjes and Yoanna Koleva.
2023, the Netherlands, 04:53 min., no dialogue
A young woman goes to clean out her recently deceased grandma’s home and reconnects with her through her memories.

Program by Souffien Melad and Oleksandra Davydenko , two emerging animation filmmakers, both recent graduates of Willem de Kooning Academy. In their works, they love to combine the comedic with the personal, dressed in a colorful and slightly over-the-top jacket.

Organised through , WORM and .

Cineville valid at the door and online on the day itself!