The Roze Filmdagen Picks of Jottum Kok

Jottum Kok is a Dutch film director and winner of the very first fiction film award presented by Roze Filmdagen. He previously directed films such as Tell me I'm Wrong and Morgen doen we het beter. His short film Groeipijn in collaboration with screenwriter Rosalie van de Biezen will premiere at the festival this year and is part of the shorts program Dutch Treats.

Roze Filmdagen gave Jottum a preview of the 28th edition program with the question: 'Which films from Roze Filmdagen 2025 would you like to see and why?'

“Beautiful camera work! The impressive mix of natural light and stylized images gives the film an almost magical-realistic appearance. The trailer gave me goosebumps. In addition, it is fascinating to see rodeo culture – a sport that you do not easily associate with the queer community – through a queer lens. While rodeo is often, in my opinion, associated with masculine aggression, this film shows a completely different side."

Tickets for 'National Anthem'

March 25th | 16.00 | click here
March 27th | 21.00 | click here

“The theme of masculinity and the suppression of insecurities appeals to me, because this also plays a role in my own work. Furthermore, I am especially curious about how the friendship between the characters develops and how the queer aspect is woven into the film.'

Tickets for Block Pass'

March 24th | 16.00 | click here
March 26th | 18.30 | click here

“Beautiful, dynamic camera work that creates an energetic atmosphere. The use of color gives the film the lively appearance of a rainbow. The film really empowers the characters through ballroom. While many queer films focus on suffering, this film focuses on the talent of the characters. I'm also curious what the Brazilian twist adds compared to the better-known ballroom scene from America."

Tickets for 'This is Ballroom'

March 23rd | 21.00 | click here
March 26th | 21.00 | click here

“Une Vie Rêvée seems to be a moving and compelling film that combines social themes with a hopeful undertone. I am also very curious to see Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi in such a daring, vulnerable role. Also nice to see a film that incorporates some humor. What makes this film extra interesting for me is the combination of social realist elements with an optimistic view of the world"

Tickers for 'Une Vie Rêvée'

March 25th | 18.30 | click here
March 30th | 11.00 | click here

“I would like to watch Sebastian because the theme really intrigues me. The story revolves around a character who creates a completely new identity and life just to fuel his fictional ambitions as a writer. I am especially fascinated by how this character is portrayed and how Max and his self-created identity become more and more intertwined. The tension between who you really are and who you want to be is a universal theme that many will recognize. I'm curious how the maker portrays this."

Tickets for 'Sebastian'

March 20th | 13.30 | click here

“I love coming-of-age films and this trailer immediately makes me curious for more. A summer love is recognizable to many, but queer people often experience this differently, because they are still discovering their identity and interests at a young age. I am curious how the maker of this film positions himself in this and has to say about it."

Ticket for 'B.O.Y - Bruises of Yesterday'

March 20th | 21.00 | click here
March 21st | 16.00 | click here

“I also want to see Io Non Sono Nessuno because I don't know Mariasilvia Spolato's story yet. While she has played a crucial role in the emancipation of the queer community, especially in Italy. In addition, this film is particularly topical, now that the rights of the queer community in Europe are increasingly under pressure. Films always reflect on the time and society in which they are made, and I am curious to see how this film relates to our current reality."

Tickets for 'Io Non Sono Nessuno'

March 23rd | 18.30 | Click here
March 28th | 16.00 | Click here

Roze Filmdagen is a twelve-day film festival with feature films, short films and documentaries with LGBTQ+-related themes. There is also a side program with an exhibition, VR, podcasts, online talk shows and more. The 28th edition of Roze Filmdagen will take place from Wednesday, March 19 to Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Het Ketelhuis in Amsterdam.