Industry Forum

The theme of this year's festival is 'Is this real?'. With this theme, the growing influence of technologies on children's lives is examined, through which the boundaries between online and offline are blurring. Time spent online for young people seems to have become equally important to the time spent away from their keyboards, as they navigate their self-expression, relationships and many other influential aspects in their life in online worlds. Can their time spent online therefore even be considered less ‘real’ anymore? 
 
What happens online certainly has consequences in our ‘real’ lives. Digital developments bring several necessary concerns along with them that need to be carefully considered and examined. At the Industry Forum, however, we like to reflect on ways in which they can be used to boost children's creativity and support their communicative abilities. Many of the exciting examples presented to you on this day will demonstrate how these goals can be achieved, and how the unique perspective of children is an incredibly valuable source of information in this field.  

We recognize that what is perceived as 'real' differs from person to person. The importance of representation in children's media seems to be widely acknowledged, yet consistent representation across a variety of media and in ways that are not merely repeating stereotypes is far from normalized. At this year's Industry Forum, we invite you to consider the lived realities of many different children and to think critically about the way we understand the realities of the young audiences we address. We are excited that many speakers will share ways in which they manage to do so in their personal work.  

These and other approaches to the theme shape the program of the Industry Forum.

In this inspiring keynote, Deanna Marsigliese (Art Director at Pixar) expands upon her creative process, discussing important topics such as finding your creativity, creating meaning, and following your intuition.

Deanna Marsigliese is a Canadian born Animation Art Director & Illustrator living in San Francisco, CA. Specializing in storytelling through character design, Deanna has worked at Pixar Animation Studios since 2012. Her credits include Soul (2020), Onward (2020), Toy Story 4 (2019), Incredibles 2 (2018), Bao (2018), Inside Out (2015) & The Good Dinosaur (2013). She is currently art directing on an original feature entitled Luca, set to release in 2021. Past clients include Laika, Sony Pictures, Universal Feature, Walt Disney Feature, Reel FX, Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network & PBS Kids, among others.  Deanna delivers panel talks & leads workshops world-wide, having been hosted by SXSW, D23, ILM, Leaders London, Pixelatl, CTNX & The Walt Disney Family Museum. Deanna is a vintage fashion enthusiast with a penchant for large costume jewels. When in need of inspiration, she loves to travel the world at length with a surprisingly small backpack. 

Neon Wild is the world's first personalised family entertainment platform whose mission is to empower children all over the world to see themselves as heroes. Focusing strongly on representation in games, they address the persistent lack of proper representation and try to overcome this by allowing players to create an avatar that looks and sounds exactly like them. Co-founder Matt Weckel will share the fascinating story of creating Neon Wild. 

Matt is the CEO & co-founder of Neon Wild, the world's first personalized family entertainment platform whose mission is to empower kids all over the world to see themselves as heroes. Born and raised in New York City, Matt began his career as a filmmaker and then pivoted to become a software engineer in order to build the stories of the future and connect with audiences in brand-new ways. Prior to Neon Wild, Matt served as a creative executive for ground-breaking technology companies across media, XR and even 3D printing. He is the proud father of two wild boys and is married to the best woman in the world. 

With Elena di Giovanni, Karlijn Landman, Patrick Chin and Rikke Flodin.  
Moderated by Isabel Sheridan 
 
In response to the theme "Is it real?" this panel will pose the question, "What is real, and for whom?" While it's clear that professionals in children's media are targeting a young audience, there are many intersecting factors that further define their lived realities. In what ways can we understand the audience we are targeting and learn about their specific needs and desires, so we can realistically portray the lived realities of children through media? 

Isabel Sheridan 
Isabel Sheridan is a program maker and moderator at De Balie. With a keen interest in the latest developments in art, culture, technology, and society, she crafts programs designed for a wide-ranging audience. Isabel studied Sociology and Political Science at Amsterdam University College and the University of Copenhagen. She completed her MA in Cultural Sociology at the University of Amsterdam. Before joining De Balie, she worked as a researcher for films and television programs, collaborating with director Sunny Bergman and the VPRO. She also served as an editor for the online feminist platform Lilith Magazine. 

Elena di Giovanni 
Elena Di Giovanni is Professor of English Translation and Accessibility at the University of Macerata, where she is also Chair of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses in translation and interpreting. She is Director of the international MA programme in Accessibility to Media, Arts and Culture. From 2016 to 2021, she was President of ESIST, the European Association for Studies in Screen Translation. Since 2013, she gives workshops on translation and accessibility at the Venice International Film Festival (27 Times Cinema programme). In 2019, she was Fulbright Distinguished Chair at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she taught media accessibility. In 2019, she delivered a TED X talk on accessibility and inclusion. She is coordinator of a number of accessibility and inclusion projects throughout Italy: at the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, at Teatro alla Scala in Milano, Teatro Grande in Brescia, Teatro Pavarotti Freni in Modena, Teatro Sferisterio in Macerata (since 2008). A full list of over 100 publications is available here. 

Karlijn Landman 
Karlijn has worked in various roles in the Dutch film and TV sector for many years, including at the New Amsterdam Film Company, the Netherlands Film Fund, NTR and the Media Fund. She has been working freelance since 2021 and dedicates her knowledge, experience and network to projects that strive for more equality and connection between people. She currently works as a project manager for the Generation Inclusion talent project of ROSE stories, she is the creative producer of the documentary podcast IEMANDS KIND (orang pun anak) that will be launched in November 2023, and she works as an advisor and fundraiser for individual clients. 

Patrick Chin 
Patrick Chin is an animation writer and director who’s been in the business for almost 25 years. He’s best known as Series Director of the beloved Dr. Panda animated pre-school tv series, which is distributed by 9 Story. Next to creating animation, Chin is a guest lecturer and coach at the Willem de Kooning Academy and the Dutch Film Academy. He’s a board member of the Dutch Academy For Film (DAFF) and co-founder of Animatie in Kleur, a network of POC in the Dutch animation industry. Formerly, he was chairman of the Dutch union for animators (DAMD). Chin has several new children’s animation series in development and is writing and directing his first feature-length animation film aimed at an adult audience. 

Rikke Flodin 
Rikke is a partner at PUBLIKUM.io, a Danish-based tool for audience awareness. Within the last few years, Rikke has particularly specialised in how to reach the children and youth audience groups using digital tools and anthropological methods to facilitate the conversations with the young audience. 

Crafting Real-Life Narratives in Children's Media
Hosted by Khaetta Chittick (BUFF)

How do we realistically portray the lives of our target audience? At this roundtable, we present several cases of creators that have collaborated and co-created with their target audience or have stayed close to their own real-life experiences. The authentic stories that follow create space for insightful conversations that can help us understand what young audiences truly want and need. 

Growing up with the target audience: 25 years of the Hoe overleef ik-series 
Speaker: Francine Oomen 
 
On September 12th, Francine Oomen’s new book in her popular youth series Hoe Overleef Ik? was released, eight years after the last book came out. Hoe overleef ik alles wat ik niemand vertel? is aimed at the now-adult generation who grew up with this book series. Oomen conducted research for this book by asking her readers to send in emails describing the problems they face in their daily lives. She then created a podcast series in which she engaged in conversations with some of them. In this roundtable session, Oomen discusses this unique process and reflects on how it relates to the writing process for her previous books, which also led to a TV series and a feature film. How do you reach the target audience for whom you are writing, and how do you ensure that you address the issues and events they encounter in their daily realities. 

Case Study: Blozende Oortjes 
Speaker: Sophie Dros 
 
With Blushing Ears, director Sophie Dros embarks on an intimate journey in which twenty teenagers delve into the raw, unfiltered aspects of the first time, falling in love, sexuality and the myriad experiences that accompany them. In six episodes these young individuals seize control of their own narratives, challenging the shame and taboos that have long been associated with sexuality and explore the current state of sex education. How did Sophie Dros achieve the honest and authentic conversations with the teenagers on screen, and what was it like working with them in co-creation? Besides answering these and other questions, Dros will share her experience with trying to get funding for this project aimed at a target audience between 12-18 years old - a group she believes deserves to have more time and attention invested in them. 

Intuitive Filmmaking 
Speaker: Zainab Goelaman 
 
Zainab Goelaman never felt represented in Dutch films and series as an Indo-Caribbean muslim kid born and raised in the Netherlands, so she decided to change that. She taught herself how to write and direct three years ago and worked on various series and films ever since, three of which (Katwalk, Rakhi & Peppe and SNOR) have been selected for this year's Cinekid competitions. In her work, she explores the contemporary experiences of young women of color, usually presented with humor and heartfelt drama. Goelaman describes her practice as a filmmaker as authentic and autonomous, and intrinsically linked to her persona. Her work is an extension of herself as she creates from a personal need to be seen, heard and understood. This reflects not only in her writing but branches out to all her creative choices as a director, resulting in complex, layered and character-driven stories. For the Industry Forum, Goelaman reflects on how she places authenticity and autonomy at the forefront of her work. How does this help her stay close to the lived realities of her characters?

Case Study: King Ridwan
Speaker: Sammy Shefa Idris 

In the short documentary King Ridwan, director Sammy Shefa Idris follows 20-year old Ridwan who is preparing for his first rap performance. Ridwan is popular on TikTok in Leeuwarden, but also faces a lot of online negativity and hateful comments. The documentary shows Ridwan's determination to be taken seriously and pursue his dream of becoming a social media superstar. In this roundtable session, Sammy Shefa Idris reflects on how he managed to create an honest representation of the real life of his protagonist, playing with elements of realism and fantasy in the process. 
 

Potentials and pitfalls of new tools and platforms 
Hosted by Matthijs van der Veer (Lemming Film)

Ongoing digital advancements have led children to spend a significant amount of time online. On one hand, we want to consider the ‘real’ consequences and impact of digital exposure on children and the need for protective rules and regulations. At the same time, we acknowledge how our perception of these concerns is heavily influenced by the visual representation of digital systems in popular culture. Shifting from these concerns, this roundtable also explores how we can use digital tools and social media platforms in our favour. We discuss tailoring content for platforms like TikTok to engage a young audience more effectively and the creative potential of the vertical format. Join us in this roundtable to ponder the inevitable considerations that arise when navigating new digital tools and platforms. 

Navigating Self-Expression and Advertising in Online Worlds  
Speaker: David Kleeman 

Advertising to children has always been challenging. On the one hand, are children able to understand commercials’ selling intent? On the other, we’ve found no better way to fund the entertainment kids love and want. This equation continues to evolve: young people are devoting increasing time to online social gaming platforms where they can create experiences as well as consume them. Some young people simply customize their avatar with branded accessories. Others play games built around their favorite products or content. The most engaged users express themselves by building games. How is the definition of 'advertising' evolving in today's realms of games, experiences and videos. Is a virtual Nike Swoosh on your avatar an ad? Is a kid-made LEGO game a commercial or an expression of fandom? Is an immersive fashion game offered by H&M an ad or experiential engagement? In this session, David Kleeman explores the intersection of online self-expression and advertising. What rules and regulations are necessary while encouraging the creative freedom to explore and experiment?

The Image of AI
Speaker: Jessy de Cooker 
 
Jessy de Cooker flew back in time. He examined how Dutch newspapers wrote about artificial intelligence over the past 50 years. Did they sketch a utopian or rather dystopian picture? In his research (Fontys Journalism + MediaLab SETUP), he identified how cultural references from (mostly science-fiction) films are regularly cited by Dutch journalists when writing about technological topics. In this roundtable session, he will update you on his findings and challenge you to engage in a conversation about your own image of technology. 

Case Study: Geen Hokje Voor Ons  
Speaker: Jesse Bleekemolen 
 
In the TikTok-based documentary series ‘Geen Hokje Voor Ons’, five teens talk about their own experience of gender. Each episode follows an important moment in the life of one of the teens that contributes to who they are and how they express themselves. In order to come the closest to the young audience the series tries to target, the choice was made to record the series vertically so it fits the format of TikTok. Director Jesse Bleekemolen joins the Industry Forum to share his experience with filming vertically and why the choice was made to focus on TikTok as the main platform to distribute the series. How does this affect his work as a filmmaker, and what can be gained from filming for the vertical screen in a world where TikTok is where young people spend an increasingly large part of their time?  
 
Perpetuating Stereotypes or Reducing Biases? Opportunities for Representation in Media  
Speaker: Danny Brogan 
 
Research from Common Sense Media states that the media we consume plays a critical role in shaping how we understand and make sense of ourselves, our identities, and the world around us. It can perpetuate stereotypes and bias, exacerbating injustice and inequities. But it also presents an opportunity to reduce bias, end division, and be a gateway to a more inclusive future. In this session, Danny Brogan will explore how the findings from several research reports that delve into representation in media for kids can serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the role of media in shaping children's perceptions of the world. 

Animated Realities 
Hosted by Facundo Lema (International Film Festival Rotterdam - IFFR)

At both Fantastic(al) Storytelling roundtables, we delve into case studies and conversations that play with the theme ‘Is it real?’ in their own ways. From animated characters to real people, figments of your imagination to physical apparitions and genuine experiences to extravagant fantasies – creators of media play with a variety of elements that make up the reality in which their project exists. In each of the sessions, makers will delve into their own practice and the fantastic(al) stories they create. Part 1 focusses on animated projects.   
 
Case Study: The Imaginary Friend  
Speaker: Steye Hallema 
 
The VR-installation The Imaginary Friend, part of Cinekid's MediaLab 2023, invites you to take part in the vivid imagination of Daniel, a grieving eight-year-old struggling with the line between reality and fantasy. With its unique point of view in storytelling and the latest technical developments in VR, The Imaginary Friend presents an intimate experience unmatched in the VR landscape. The interactive gameplay allows the player to actively participate in Daniel's life. The installation was written and directed by Steye Hallema, who will join the Industry Forum for a Q&A about this exceptional project.   
 
Case Study: A Greyhound of a Girl  
Speaker: Enzo d’Alò 
 
With A Greyhound of a Girl, acclaimed director Enzo d’Alò transformed the book by the same title into a heartwarming animated family film. In this session, he will delve into the process of creating the script based on the book, using the tools of animation to tell the story in a way that poetically reflects experiences we face in real life. In his perspective, an animated film is like an imaginary friend, allowing you to connect with large emotions and events experienced by other people through small and intricate drawings. Join us for this inspiring session that highlights the potential of storytelling through animation. 
 
The Road to Representation: Approaching Third Culture Kid Content 
Speaker: Lia Booi 

We all know that Diversity and Inclusivity are currently hot topics in the industry. But apart from simply ticking these two boxes and calling it a day, what can we as professionals do better to ensure that the projects we are taking on are represented as authentically as possible? Representing the organization Animatie in Kleur, a collective of BIPOC-creators in the Dutch animation industry, Lia Booi explores how the animation industry can better ensure the authentic representation of BIPOC voices and experiences in children's media. In a world filled with Third Culture kids, it's vital to highlight the significance of representing various backgrounds. By creating content that reflects the diverse experiences of children, their perception of reality can be altered in many beneficial ways. During this session, Lia Booi wants to open up a conversation amongst the group to discuss how industry professionals can collectively improve their approach when creating, hiring crew and contributing to projects that represent BIPOC experiences and communities. 
 
Case Study: A Mystery on the Cattle Hill Express  
Speaker: Will Ashurst 
 
In this session, Will Ashurst (director of A Mystery on the Cattle Hill Express) discusses the challenges of animation projects from concept to final product. The 'real' outcome of a film can be completely different from what was initially imagined. Collaborating with writers and producers means that different wishes need to be considered. Based on his own experiences with the making of this film, Ashurst will reflect on factors such as artistic integrity, making compromises and how to ensure continuity of characters in a sequel.

Inclusive Language Practices in Kids’ Content
Hosted by Al Williams (ACE Producers)

In the realm of film, television, and gaming, content is predominantly conveyed through sound and visuals. However, not all young consumers of media can hear or see, prompting the use of methods like subtitling and audio-description for accessibility. Important steps have been taken to make these methods available for different types of content. Language accessibility extends beyond translation, as languages often convey culturally coded information that cannot be accurately translated. We invite you to think about the value of inclusive language practices that take different language needs into consideration from the beginning. This roundtable unites researchers and filmmakers to discuss language practices they've explored in their work, sharing insights and best practices.  
 
Case Study: Okédoeibedankt  
Speaker: Nicole van Kilsdonk & Martha Mojet 
 
Okédoeibedankt is a film about two young girls on a roadtrip to Paris and is largely told in Dutch sign language. Director Nicole van Kilsdonk and casting director Martha Mojet share stories from the process of making of this film, from casting to writing the script and filming on set. What lessons can they share with other professionals to promote the more common use of different languages in film, and to ensure the sustained inclusion of people that speak various languages both in front of the camera and behind the scenes?
 
Participatory Accessibility: Co-creating audio description with kids  
Speaker: Elena di Giovanni 
 
Participatory accessibility is a bottom-up, inclusive approach to making media and live performances accessible for young viewers with sensory disabilities. It involves working with them on making a film, or a theatrical performance, enjoyable by all, in line with the principles of inclusive design and the concept of equity rather than equality. Using theatrical performances as a case in point, and focusing on blind children, this session aims to highlight strategies and activities that can be carried out to promote inclusion and to enhance empowerment. Children with visual disabilities, often excluded from the enjoyment of media and live events, become co-creators.

The Power of Earcatch: Audio-description in the Dutch Context  
Speaker: Ellen Schut 
 
Earcatch is a Dutch app that offers audio descriptions for numerous films and TV series. You can download and play these descriptions via the app, and they automatically sync with the audio in the cinema or on your TV or computer. During dialogue pauses, a voice-over narrates visual elements from the film, such as characters, facial expressions, and locations. Project leader Ellen Schut will talk about the practice of creating audio descriptions (AD) for film, the particular factors to take into consideration when creating AD for films for a young audience and why more filmmakers should consider making AD available for their projects. 

Preserving and Presenting Artistic Legacies 
Hosted by Addy Otto (FilmForward)

Heritage can teach us about our shared histories and demonstrates the creative work of important artists that have come before us. Museums, foundations, and cultural institutions play a vital role in safeguarding this heritage for generations to come. They employ innovative methods to make heritage resonate with younger generations, who are exposed to a wide array of art and educational materials, and help children appreciate their own everyday experiences as valuable content to be preserved and shared. In this roundtable, experts delve into the artistic legacies they're dedicated to preserving, sharing, and even creating. 
 
Sharing histories with the Maasdamme collectie  
Speaker: Bianca Maasdamme & Peggy Reiziger 
 
Bianca Maasdamme & Peggy Reiziger are the proud nieces of Rita Maasdamme, their aunt, who created a beautiful collection of dioramas consisting of dolls that she called “creatures” or “creations” (creaturen) - a title she gave them because they are more than dolls, they portray the stories of real people. With the collection, Maasdamme portrayed the history of Dutch colonialism and slavery and its continued effects in the present. The collection now allows her family to continue to tell these stories of our shared history. Peggy and Bianca each do so in their own way. Peggy, drawing from her expertise in engaging children with both new and old stories, brings them to life through dance and movement. Bianca, an expert in diversity, inclusion, and equality, engages in conversations with adults. These conversations revolve around one's own role and responsibility in discussions about equality. Combining their strengths, they teach and facilitate conversations with both children and adults about these important topics. Their roundtable session will be an interactive experience in which our shared history takes centre stage. 

The collection of diorama's by Rita Maasdamme (1944-2016) uniquely tells the (hi)stories of the former Dutch colonies from the perspective of enslaved people, Maroons, and indigenous populations. Rita Maasdamme noticed that these topics were rarely, if ever, taught in schools, and she wanted to bring these stories to the attention of a broad audience through her dioramas, which consist of realistic, humanlike dolls she referred to as 'creations'. Recently, the collection was exhibited at the Amsterdam Museum, where significant emphasis was placed on the educational potential of the collection. What opportunities does Rita Maasdamme's collection offer to familiarize a young audience with this history and its ongoing impact in the present? What can we learn from Rita Maasdamme's approach to tell this very real history using fabric dolls? Bianca Maasdamme and Peggy Reiziger, close relatives of Rita Maasdamme, reflect on these and other questions during this roundtable session.  

Fiep Westendorp's Legacy: the story of Pim and Pom  
Speakers: Gioia Smid & Marieke van Middelkoop 
 
The adventures of the two cats Pim and Pom were written and illustrated for the newspaper Het Parool in the nineteen fifties and sixties. When Gioia Smid started archiving the illustrations of Fiep Westendorp, the original Pim and Pom drawings were still missing in the more than 9000 illustrations that were stored everywhere in Fiep’s house. After more than a year of archiving the cleaning lady accidently discovered big piles of original drawings in the bathroom cabinets. The revival of Pim and Pom started from there: Gioia initiated and directed an animated series based on the illustrations. The rest is history: 56 episodes of 5 minutes animation about The Adventures of Pim & Pom (2009-2012), and an animated movie ‘Pim & Pom; The Big Adventure’ (2014) and the new series ‘Pim & Pom at the Museum’ in 2021 followed. Join this roundtable session to discover more about the wonderful story of Pim & Pom, and the importance of preserving icon heritage in children's media.  
 
Engaging Young Audiences with the Rijksmuseum Collection  
Speaker: Oiwai Yiu & Evita Goettsch

Preserving artifacts, sharing timeless stories, and researching their origins: Who wore this? Who owned it? From which era did it come? And, is it genuine? Museums like the Rijksmuseum constantly ponder these questions, and our young visitors are equally curious. Understanding the vital role young people play as our future generation, the Rijksmuseum places immense importance on fostering their education, imagination, and curiosity. Join Oiwai Yiu and Evita Goettsch as they share insights from the museum's education and innovation department. They'll delve into the challenge and importance of engaging young minds, drawing them closer to the Rijksmuseum collection. Let's discuss: In an age where digital innovation blurs the lines of reality, how do we define what's truly real?" 
 
Collecting Stories with Radio Cinekid  
Speaker: Linde Dorenbosch 
 
The best podcast creators have known it all along: you don't have to go far to find a good story. Most stories can be found right on your street, and with a bit of luck, it might be on your own street. In the five lessons of Radio Cinekid, children (aged 9+) create their own mini-podcast about a story they've discovered in their own neighborhood. They explore local places that are special to them and seek inspiration for their stories. From this inspiration, they develop a podcast plan and proceed to make recordings in their neighborhood for their podcast. These lessons were developed in collaboration with Stratenmakers Audiocollectief and Erfgoedwijzer with the class. Without explicitly mentioning it, the students in this series of lessons are engaged in 'heritage work': the act of sharing stories and memories about specific places or buildings. What qualifies as heritage is not determined by the teacher but by the students themselves. By focusing on the student in finding and telling stories about meaningful places, they sow the seeds for their own new heritage. The result of the five Radio Cinekid lessons is a 5-minute podcast that can be heard at the Cinekid Festival for all participating children. 

Challenging Dominant Narratives in Kids’ Entertainment 
Hosted by Angela Otto (Movies that Matter)

There are continuous demands for the increased representation of, for example, a variety of gender expressions, abilities and sexualities in media. Instead of presenting overdone stereotypes and repeating familiar tropes, the call is for characters and storylines that more people can recognize themselves in. Decisions about what characters are represented in media and who gets to play these characters are made in the process of writing and casting. Additionally, programmers and curators shape what stories make it to cinemas, TV, and festivals. In this roundtable, different decision-makers talk about the need to challenge dominant narratives in children's media, emphasizing the importance of offering multiple perspectives. 
 
A Brief Masterclass in Inclusive Casting  
Speakers: Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld & Iraida Markus-Meerzorg 
 
The importance of having a more representative variation of actors and story lines presented in our media seems to be getting more general support, though concrete action and changes in the Dutch Film and TV-sector to achieve this have remained minimal.  KLEUR in film & tv, founded by Iraida Markus-Meerzorg and Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, therefore has as its goal to encourage policies and initiatives that work towards an equitable sector. Inclusive casting is one way to do so. In this interactive session about inclusive casting, actor and screenwriter Manoushka and Iraida guide participants through a pre-existing script to discuss in what ways inclusive casting could be achieved, while avoiding stereotypes and overplayed tropes. Focusing on children’s media, the session emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children are exposed to representative and relatable characters from a young age. 
 
The Innerworld Real: Representing Multiplicity in Pablo  
Speaker: Sumita Majumdar 
 
Sumita Majumdar will share experiences of co-writing and voice acting for Paper Owl Film’s pre-school animation Pablo, a series about an autistic child who uses an inner-mind ‘art world’ to process and play. Pablo’s inner-world processing space - which includes Pablo’s ‘Book Animal’ imagination friends - is an acknowledgement of unpathologised multiplicity. This means that people can have various ways of experiencing or thinking about something - and just like something can present differently in different people, something can present in different ways within the same person, too. Majumdar recognises the show’s potential to encourage people to think about the way they think, to grow understandings of their personal normorealities, and to respect the innerworld real. 
 
Presenting Various Narratives in Film Festival Programs  
Speakers: Hidde de Vries & Daniela Persico 
 
Picking from various submissions, film festival programmers play an important role in deciding what an audience gets to see. The Industry Forum will facilitate a discussion between programmers Hidde de Vries (Cinekid) and Daniela Persico (Locarno Film Festival), as they talk about the variety of narratives they encounter in submissions and what factors they take into consideration when creating a festival line-up. In this session, we invite them to reflect critically reflecting on their own practice and the responsibility they carry when deciding what narratives are presented to the audience. 
 
A Deepdive into the Expanding World of Neon Wild  
Speaker: Matt Weckel

Following his morning keynote, this roundtable provides an additional opportunity for Matt Weckel to share details of the story of creating Neon Wild and for you to ask your burning questions!   

Promoting Creativity, Interaction and Self-Expression Through Kids’ Digital Engagement 
Hosted by Fraser White (International Film Festival Rotterdam - IFFR) 

AI and digital systems have become integral to our daily lives, reshaping how we go about our routines. While this shift can be significant for some, many children are growing up in a world where these technologies are the norm. Researchers and designers are exploring innovative ways to enable children to engage with digital tools, with a specific emphasis on fostering creativity, enhanced interaction, and novel forms of self-expression. In our roundtable, we delve into various examples that highlight the meaningful interactions between children and digital tools and systems. The discussion showcases the ways in which these technologies are enriching the lives of kids, offering new avenues for personal development and creative expression. 
 
Impacting Creativity and Human Interaction with AI   
Speaker: Karolina La Fors 
 
Research led by Karolina La Fors reports that if it’s up to the children, AI-systems should be used in ethical, social and human-oriented ways. With her findings, La Fors has shown the inherent value of involving children’s perception on AI-systems, as they have a unique ability to sense values and draw ethical boundaries. Creativity and human connection are important factors to benefit a child’s development. How are these processes continuously affected by AI-systems, and what is the long-term impact of this on a child? This session discusses these and other research findings, and explores the entangling connection of children, ethics, individual and societal development and AI-systems. 
 
“Spiegelstem” - A New Way to Express and Cope With Your Emotions  
Speakers: Rian Evers & Joanneke Weerdmeester (Monobanda) 

A storm in your head. The feeling that you are exploding. A red haze of anger. We don’t always have our emotions under control. Spiegelstem (Visible Voice) offers an artistic outlet for difficult feelings. Spiegelstem is an interactive experience that you control by shouting, singing, humming, stomping and running around. With these vocal and physical expressions you control the light projection of the installation to create an interactive painting of your own emotions. Spiegelstem helps you to vent and relax and provides new, creative ways to express and communicate what you feel. Spiegelstem is being developed in co-creation with two care facilities and their clients, and is especially aimed at helping children and young people with complex needs. In their session, researcher Dr. Joanneke Weerdmeester and project leader Rian Evers will explain how the installation works and how it can help players express, cope with- and talk about their emotions. 

The Importance of Youth Participation in AI Development  
Speaker: Karolina La Fors 
 
“Conversational AI system innovations pervade exponentially the daily lives of youth, yet their implications on youth are unknown. Expectations of positive and negative conversational AI influences on the individual and societal development of youth are vast and require transdisciplinary research. The Dutch “AI4Youth Ethical, Legal and Social Impacts of AI Lab” (for more on the lab please see information here: https://nlaic.com/use-cases/elsa-lab-ai4youth/) sets out to foster a transdisciplinary ecosystem for research where meaningful intergenerational and multi-stakeholder dialogue can take place about the impacts of AI on youth. This round table discussions invites professionals to reflect upon: why is youth participation important from the perspective of AI development, the creative industry and society with AI? 

Cinekid Case Studies
Hosted by Lotte Bronshoff (Nederlands Filmfonds)

At both Fantastic(al) Storytelling roundtables, we delve into case studies and conversations that play with the theme ‘Is it real?’ in their own ways. From animated characters to real people, figments of your imagination to physical apparitions and genuine experiences to extravagant fantasies – creators of media play with a variety of elements that make up the reality in which their project exists. In each of the sessions, makers will delve into their own practice and the fantastic(al) stories they create.

Case Study: Snot & Splash  
Speaker: Jani Pösö 
 
How do you create a film that is relevant for humans and suitable for kids? Jani Pösö, producer and concept-developer of Snot & Splash,will offer his reflections on this intriguing creative challenge. The session will span various facets of the creative process, from creating the concept to securing funding and the decision to move away from VFX during shooting.  The film, described as a cyber-punk comedy for all ages, earned the Eurimages Co-production Development Award at Cinekid 2019, making it a noteworthy case study. 

Creating Sam and Julia
Speakers: Ian & Manita Schaapman 
 
“Het Muizenhuis” was conceived and created by Karina Schaapman. What began as a children's book has grown into a global children's brand, including toys, craft products, a Mini Museum, numerous book products, and soon the international television series “Sam and Julia”. Karina's four children are the driving force behind this children's brand, each with their own role within the family business. Ian Schaapman is the Ian is the driving force behind the business side and is always on the lookout for valuable collaborations that enrich the brand. Manita Schaapman develops  products, takes care of marketing, and manages e-commerce.  
 
Case study: Zeevonk  
Speakers: Domien & Wendy Huyghe 
 
In Zeevonk (Sea Sparkle), Scriptwriter Wendy Huyghe and director Domien uyghe tell the story of 11-year old Lena, who unexpectedly loses her father as he is killed in a fishing accident at sea. She believes that a mysterious sea monster capsized his ship. Whether the sea monster in the film is ‘real’ or a figment of Lena's imagination is left unanswered and is up for the viewer to be interpreted. At the Industry Forum, Domien and Wendy speak about the many decisions made to negotiate between the real and the imagined, and how this brings the reality of a child dealing with loss to life. The development of the project from script to screen will also be touched upon.     
While the story can be largely fictitious, the experienced emotions for the team working on the film can be very real. Because of this, ways of taking care of the team (including child actors) whilst working on emotionally heavy topics will also be discussed.    
 
Case Study: Jippie No More!  
Speakers: Nathalie van der Burg 
 
Cinekid’s 2023 opening film Jippie No More! introduces us to Jaap Peter, a lively 16-year-old boy who is eagerly preparing for his older sister's wedding. As the whole family rallies together to create the perfect celebration, Jaap Peter falls in love for the first time. We’re delighted to have producer Nathalie van der Burg, who produced the film alongside Iris Otten and Sander van Meurs, at this year’s Industry Forum. Join us as she sheds light on the casting process, offering insights on how they found Wesley van Klink, the actor who plays the lead role of Jaap Peter. She will reflect on the changes that were implemented in the script based on the particular qualities of the actor, thus demonstrating the pivotal role the real people involved in a film play in shaping the final product we get to witness on screen. 

How To Decide What's Appropriate 
Hosted by Jordi Wijnalda (Creative Europe Desk NL)

Media creators for children carefully tailor their content to align with their young audience's interests and comprehension levels. However, what's deemed suitable for them can vary across different contexts. In this roundtable discussion, experts will talk about rating systems for children's media and dive into research practices aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of your audience's preferences. Additionally, we'll examine a case study centered around the reception of the TV series "Lampje" in various countries. The roundtable aims to foster an open dialogue and generate creative strategies for dealing with this important theme. 
 
Facilitating Informed Decisions with Common Sense Media  
Speaker: Danny Brogan 
 
Common Sense Media offers the largest and most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews for movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more. With experts in childhood development and children's media literacy, their research-based rating system helps families make informed entertainment choices for their kids. Their reviews emphasise positive messages and character strengths, while also noting potentially harmful content, and sparking conversations about important topics. In this session, Danny Brogan will explain Common Sense's methodology, illustrated by an example from the film "Superworm" (2021). 
 
Suitability vs. harmfulness. A look inside the Dutch rating system Kijkwijzer
Speaker: Martijn Huigsloot 

Join Martijn Huigsloot, Manager of Strategy and Innovation at NICAM, as he delves into the world of age ratings using the Dutch rating system, Kijkwijzer. In this session, you will gain insight into the complexities of determining harmfulness over suitability in rating the media content accessible to minors. He will showcase the scientific and cross-media approach employed by Kijkwijzer to determine age ratings, offering a unique perspective on the intricacies of safeguarding young audiences in the digital age. 
 
Case study: Lampje  
Speaker: Iris Otten  
 
The TV series 'Lampje' offers a captivating and visually rich adaptation of the renowned Dutch children's novel by Annet Schaap. Producer Iris Otten joins the Industry Forum to share her insights, delving into the creative decisions made while tackling the occasionally weighty and challenging themes from the original book. Additionally, she will reflect on the series reception in different contexts, and the challenges faced in distributing the series. The session will provide a unique insight into the process of bringing this beloved literary work to life on screen. 
 
Creating Deeper Connections to Broader Audiences with PUBLIKUM  
Speaker: Rikke Flodin 
 
What do we think our audience wants and how does that differ from what they actually want? Rikke Flodin from the platform PUBLIKUM shares the potential of audience research by illustrating cases from European films where filmmakers have used audience research from pre-development to post-production to reach a young audience. PUBLIKUM is a platform that uses AI-powered anthropology to help filmmakers create a deeper connection to a broader audience. Where the AI works to identify the zeitgeist of selected themes or markets, the anthropology ensures a deep and honest audience awareness. These tools help filmmakers get to know the needs and desires of their audience, rather than relying on assumptions and generalized ideas. 

Relevant Developments in MediaLab's History and Future
Hosted by Leonieke Verhoog (Cinekid)

This year, Cinekid's MediaLab celebrates its 25th anniversary. In the MediaLab, children can engage creatively with art, media, and technology, allowing them to explore and gain insights into pressing societal issues. Many developments in the field of new media art have occurred since its first edition in 1998. At this roundtable, experts reflect on some of these developments and highlight ones that are happening right now. On top of that, results from several research projects that focus on children's interaction with digital tools will be shared.  
 
MediaLab Curators Reflect on the 25th Anniversary  
Speakers: Leonieke Verhoog & Paulien Dresscher 
 
Throughout the years, several curators have undertaken the exciting task of crafting Cinekid's MediaLab.  In this reflexive session, we explore the remarkable highlights and invaluable lessons they've gleaned along the way. We'll uncover the trajectories of artists who have showcased their work at the MediaLab and delve into the significance of their participation for their careers. Furthermore, we venture into the realm of possibilities, contemplating what lies in store for the future of the MediaLab. Join us for a reflective conversation with Paulien Dresscher, former Head of New Media at Cinekid (2011-2016), and Leonieke Verhoog, the current Head of New Media at Cinekid, as they share their insights and answer questions. 
 
An Introduction to Virtual Production 
Speaker: Merel Booleman 
 
Virtual production is an emerging technique in the film industry where two worlds meet: gaming and cinema. Simply put, virtual production is a technique in which a green screen is replaced with a (curved) LED screen. One of the advantages is that it reduces the time spent on post-production, allowing for more focus on pre-production. This provides the opportunity to involve multiple disciplines during the preparations and shooting phase, enabling creative decisions to be made and visualized by multiple parties. In this way, the virtual set becomes part of the physical one. The possibilities are endless, but so are the challenges. Merel Booleman will provide an introduction in Virtual Production and its potential for filmmaking. 

A decade of VR productions, what have we learned?   
Speaker: Marnix van Gisbergen 
 
In this roundtable, Marnix van Gisburgen will discuss the added value of virtual reality over traditional media and how to make use of this (to teach and engage youth). Using VR examples created in the past ten years, he will explore how to formulate and create experiences jn VR, argue whether or not VR is suitable to tell stories and when to (not) choose VR over traditional movie productions. He will use results from the latest studies around VR productions and virtual humans within and outside the domain of entertainment. 
 
Effects and Strategies of Digital Literacy Games  
Speaker: Teresa de la Hera 
 
In this session, Teresa de la Hera will present the results of a research project on the use of digital games to support the acquisition of digital literacy competences conducted by Erasmus University Rotterdam and Utrecht University. The results include insights from an analysis of 100 digital literacy games, providing an overview of what type of games are on the market, which digital literacy competencies they cover and which are the strategies used by these games. The presentation will also include academic insights on the use of digital literacy games, including how much we know about their effects so far, and which are design strategies that have been scientifically tested.