“A short film about the ideals and dreams of then and now.”
Young people from Arnhem, under the guidance of theatre maker Elsbeth Hoefkens, delved into the history of Arnhem during World War II. Their research forms the basis for the short film PuinHoop.
The short film PuinHoop is about finding hope and looking ahead during a time of crisis. In this dynamic film about movement and stillness, director Elsbeth Hoefkens captures a group of young people reflecting on their future. Through WhatsApp conversations, physical theatre, and old radio fragments, they shape their search. Do they find comfort in the stories of the past? About the obstacles along the way. About the ideals and dreams of then and now.
PuinHoop was part of the twelfth edition of Theater Na de Dam, where nearly 500 young people participated in 43 projects across the Netherlands, working to make 4th May meaningful, despite the pandemic. Based on digital conversations and letters exchanged between young and old about the war, something valuable is created in many different forms, and we reflect not only on the past but also on the complex times we live in now.
The short film PuinHoop premiered on Tuesday, 4th May 2021, at 20:30 on YouTube. The short film can be watched here.
Direction: Elsbeth Hoefkens
Young people from Arnhem: Merijn Hardeman, Joeke Groot, Marinus Hondeveld, Luke Peek, Femmy Smits, Pauline de Does, Mina Hondeveld, Ruth de Does, Juno Rutten, and Sofie Staals.
Directorial guidance: Nicole Vervloed
Artistic advice: Kasper Tarenskeen
Costume advice: Femke van Neerven
Recruitment and youth guidance: Marti Arts
Production manager: Jeroen Heinen
Marketing: Andrea Lentink
Campaign image: Anna Fransen
PuinHoop is a co-production of Muziektheater De Plaats and Toneelgroep Oostpool.
