The film
Shifting between documentary-style portraits and dreamlike, surreal imagery, the film explores the notion of Dutchness. In the Dutch polders, we catch glimpses of various everyday scenes; from an Indonesian grandfather enjoying spekkoek on a ‘kadetje’, to a Surinamese bird-singing contest, to two girls chasing the elusive ‘Dutch light’ - all occurring within arm’s reach of each other. The weather in the film continually changes. A hint to our famous Dutch weather, in which the only constant factor is change.
Dutch Dreams is an autonomous and artistic project that challenges the idea that a fashion film is merely a commercial campaign. Director Flo Meijer views fashion not as a standalone phenomenon, but always in relation to the person who wears it. In her work, she aims to separate fashion from the unattainable glamour and fairy-tale imagery often promoted by the industry, which plays on consumer insecurity.
Each scene features the designs of various Dutch fashion houses, among others Tim Christiani, Camiel Fortgens, KASSL Editions, Extreme Cashmere, G-Star RAW, Pop Trading Company, Botter, and Lack of Guidance.
The film is driven by the dreamy sounds of composer Jaap Velenturf, who created the score specifically for Dutch Dreams. Expect compelling, melodic ambient music with minimalist influences. Rising Dutch star Sandor Dayala makes a special guest appearance in the film performing ‘voor mij’. There is even a glimpse of Flo's grandfather's favourite krontjong song, 'Schoon Ver Van Jou'.
Dutch Dreams is produced by Rotterdam-based production company mint2 in collaboration with Lief. This project is supported by Creative Industries Fund NL, het Cultuurfonds, CBK Rotterdam (Centre for Visual Arts Rotterdam).
Starring Aryelle Freeman Hopelezz, Herman Meijer, Tatum Meijer, Sandor Dayala, Frangelo Martina, Joop Noorlander, Jip Boxstart, Forrest Meijer, Malcolm Baraka, Yasemin Kevser, Shariefa Kasimbeg, Stella Oort, Hana Hussein, Damian Pinas, Zenna Westerman, Billie de Goede, Elfie van de Mosselaer, Mint Meijer, Julia Olijkan, David Spaans, Linder Purperhart, Makaja Dia, the men of Ringmaster Amsterdam; Jules A. ChinFoSieeuw, Harold Rambarse, Hendrik Doerga, B. Edy Felter and Edwin.
