Short films

Visualize what’s hard to verbalize.

Many of my films delve into sensitive and complex social issues that are often difficult to express through words alone. By visualizing these topics, I aim to create a space for open dialogue and transparency, while guiding viewers on introspective journeys. Each film is designed to build an emotional connection, inviting audiences to reflect, recognize, and understand their own experiences. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging, reminding viewers that they’re not alone and that it’s okay to simply be themselves.

Architectuur van het vrije lichaam (2020)

Our streets are emptier than ever, but our heads are full of landscapes of desires. Connected by collective loneliness, we crave touch from neighbors and strangers. People can no longer find themselves in other people's body cavities and corners. How can our hunger for skin be satisfied – or at least tolerated – in these times of social deprivation?

In the prize-winning poetry film 'Architecture of the free body', poet Adriana Ivanova and filmmaker Danique Jaspers examine how we can use our body and mind as instruments to experience freedom, even when our freedom of movement is limited. Providing stimulating ideas for a lighter life and comfort in a disruptive time.

This film won the category ‘Best Spoken Word’ in the Open Call of 4 & 5 mei comité Amsterdam and DeBalie. It premiered on Dutch national television (VPRO Mondo) and is included in the digital exhibition Corona in de stad at Amsterdam Museum.

Quarantine Thoughts (2020)

This experimental short film explores how we might reflect on the challenging times of self-distancing, self-quarantine, and the struggle to maintain our sanity. Through minimalistic scenarios, the film offers a unique perspective on these difficult times and how they have affected us all. The film's setting, Rotterdam's architecture, provides a visual backdrop for these scenarios, highlighting the intersection between our inner and outer worlds.

Nectar (2019)

When is enough, enough? Facing prolonged suffering, a young, terminally ill woman bravely decides to take control over her own life and arranges herself a peculiar yet delicious meal.

Nectar (2019) is an all-female production about a young woman facing her final days. The filmmakers – both having seen a loved one being encouraged by doctors and family to suffer through life-prolonging treatments – urge viewers to reflect upon the end-of-life-dilemma that many of us will have to tackle someday: how much of your health and life-quality would you sacrifice in an attempt to stretch time? When does one stop being alive and merely exist?

Nectar has been seen in Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Perdu and has been selected for the Lift-off Filmfestival.

Oud Zeer (2016)

Lena an elderly woman who has led a good life feels lonely after the death of her loved ones. She decides to take her own life, but her attempts prove difficult.

The film sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by elderly individuals who feel isolated and emphasizes the need for open conversations about end-of-life issues. It also highlights the importance of respecting an individual's autonomy and dignity, even in difficult situations. Ultimately, the film offers a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by the elderly and the need to provide them with the support and care they need to lead fulfilling lives.

The film has been screened at Lumière Cinema Maastricht and selected at Shortcutz Amsterdam, Euregion Film Forum and Caminhos Festival Cinema Portugues.

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Danique Jaspers
Amsterdam
danique@qiqivisuals.com
KVK: 76518051
BTW: NL206590891B01