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DE WOLF IN ONS
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.
The Documentary
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.
My job
As the creator and director of De Wolf in Ons, I am responsible for shaping the core concept, the narrative vision and the overall artistic direction of the film. This project feels especially meaningful now, at a time when themes like identity, displacement and belonging are so present in our society. I’m driven by the desire to tell a story that goes beyond headlines and opinions, and instead focuses on the quiet, human experiences that often go unnoticed.
My approach is deeply visual and emotional. Because the film relies heavily on silence and subtle expression, I work closely with the actors to find the inner truth of each moment, and with the crew to build an atmosphere that mirrors the protagonist’s inner world. Every detail – from composition to pacing to sound – is crafted to support the emotional tone and symbolic layers of the film.
What makes this project compelling to me is its intimacy. By telling this story in a restrained, poetic way, I hope to create a film that resonates through empathy rather than explanation. My goal is to make the strongest, most honest version of this story, one that invites the audience to feel rather than simply watch.