The Dutch Boys is released on May 21st on Amazon and Vimeo. For more information, visit NQV Media.
Not since The Italian Boys have we seen a compilation of shorts as compelling as The Dutch Boys. Here a range of themes from fear to religious control, community entrapment and artistic freedom create a rich and complex tapestry of stories. The Dutch Boys opens with Brick, directed by Viktor van der Valk. Here, we meet a brick production worker named Jeffrey as his life, security and emotional uncertainty are suddenly challenged by a new mysterious staff member. Our second short, South of Heaven, directed by Marco van Bergen, is a stunning dissection of religion and family pressure as we meet Elias during a birthday trip back home. Elias is caught between a college life of acceptance, a new boyfriend, Jasper, and a home of religious secrecy and silence. But as both worlds collide, Elias must finally choose a path.
Next is Lukas by the Sea, directed by Jordi Wijnalda, a stunning exploration of human desire, sexuality and connection. Here twentysomething Lukas explores his innermost thoughts, desires and fears through the course of a single night. But will any of his sexual adventures and attempted connections result in the sense of belonging, and can Lukas find what he is looking for before the sun rises?
Finally, we have two beautiful explorations of the coming-of-age process directed by Marc Wagenaar. The first of these is Dante vs Mohammed Ali. Set in an undisclosed village during an unspecified time, we meet young Wolf and his best friend, Alexander. Both boys are the subject of a boxing match arranged by the village elders, the older men placing bets on which boy will come out on top as they are set to fight on a river barge. However, there is one problem, Wolf is artistic, gentle and madly in love with Alexander.
Meanwhile, Alexander protects Wolf, hiding his real feelings and fearing the outcomes if he sets them free. However, as their first boxing match fails and a second draws near, Wolf plans to express his love for Alexander with an elaborate theatrical performance the night before their match. Dante vs Mohammed is a stunning exploration of community control, hidden desire and self-actualisation as two young men set each other free through artistic expression. Wagenaar’s second short film, Beautiful Alexander, sees young Alexander shut himself away in a beach hut on a hot summer’s day. From the safety of the cabin, he stares at a young man on a diving board as he dances in the sun. As Alexander’s desire grows, he, too, finds himself dancing, longing for a physical connection. But can Alexander find the courage to step from the hut and climb the diving board?
