Sabine Lubbe Bakker

Becoming Mona

Niels van Koevorden, Sabine Lubbe Bakker

Valentijn Dhaenens, Wine Dierickx

Life is what happens when you stop living for others and start living for yourself. This poignant tragicomic journey of courage follows Mona from early childhood, when she is inculcated to be a quiet, obedient presence in the world. She blossoms into a talented young artist, but years of repressing her feelings have impaired her emotionally, binding her to unhealthy relationships at work and at home. Still, there is a fierce, independent spirit that lies inside her, waiting to be liberated. Assured direction coaxes flawless, seamlessly connected performances from actresses Tanya Zabarylo and Olivia Landuyt in the title role as a young woman and young girl respectively.

Ne me quitte pas

Niels van Koevorden, Sabine Lubbe Bakker

Bob, Marcel

The film tells the story of two friends who want to disappear from life. While their country Belgium is falling apart, two lost souls cling to each other.

Shout

Ester Gould, Sabine Lubbe Bakker

Born on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, best friends Ezat and Bayan are given the chance to study in their parents’ homeland: Syria. SHOUT is a film about their search for adventure and a sense of belonging in one of the world’s most persistent conflict zones.

Gutmensch

Sabine Lubbe Bakker

Marjolijn van Heemstra, Zohre Norouzi

After babysitting Marjolijn’s child, Zohre is suddenly back on her doorstep. Can’t she stay overnight? For this one night, Marjolijn turns the living room couch into a bed for the Afghan refugee. However, one night quickly turns into months. Developing a close relationship, Marjolijn tries to improve Zohre’s unfortunate situation. Conversations about family, friends and even a soap series alternate with lengthy phone conversations with dreadfully bureaucratic Dutch authorities.