A young refugee wandering through the Dutch landscape confronts his fear, identity and longing for belonging, mirrored by the silent presence of a wolf that reflects the struggle within himself.
De Wolf in Ons is a poetic short film that follows a young refugee as he tries to find his place in the Netherlands. Wandering through forests, quiet streets and empty public spaces, he experiences the world largely in silence, carrying memories, fears and hopes that he cannot express in words. His days unfold in a muted rhythm, shaped by small moments of tension and tenderness, and the constant search for a sense of safety.
As he moves through this unfamiliar landscape, his inner struggle is subtly reflected through the recurring presence of a wolf, which becomes a symbolic counterpart to his emotional journey. The wolf represents survival, identity and instinct. This is a reminder of both danger and strength and a reflection of the conflicting forces that live within him. Their paths never fully cross, yet the connection between man and animal is felt in every frame, hinting at the primal emotions beneath the surface.
Through minimal dialogue and a strong emphasis on visual storytelling, the film explores emotion through atmosphere, body language and symbolism. Misty forests, distant city lights and quiet parks become extensions of the protagonist’s state of mind, shaping a world where loneliness and hope coexist. De Wolf in Ons creates an intimate portrait of isolation, resilience and the universal search for belonging, inviting the viewer to experience the story not through words, but through feeling.
As the creator and director of De Wolf in Ons, I shaped the core concept, narrative vision, and overall artistic direction of the film, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and belonging through a restrained, poetic visual language. Because the film relies on silence and subtle expression, I worked closely with the actors and actively directed the cinematographers, ensuring that the concept translated clearly into images through detailed discussions on framing, movement, and perspective. My goal was to create an intimate film that resonates through empathy rather than explanation, inviting the audience to feel rather than simply watch.
© Copyright | 2026 | All rights reserved. | Made by Xavier Pijnacker.