DE REST VAN ONS LEVEN [2023]
For the Dutch children's book "De rest van ons leven" authored by Els Beerten, which has been nominated for the 2023 Thea Beckman Award, I was assigned to create a visual trailer. This prestigious prize, organized annually by Museumpark Archeon, recognizes the best historical children's literature.
The storyline follows Alfredo Santoro, an Italian boy who migrated from Italy to England at a young age. He grows up in a warm Italian community until World War II breaks out and Mussolini sides with the Nazis. This coming-of-age story explores how the war shapes Alfredo and portrays the rough aftermath.
The goal of this trailer was to spark interest and curiosity among kids aged 12 to 18. Through research, I discovered that this age group uses media as a mirror for their own feelings and behavior. Therefore, I emphasized the emotions of the main character. By portraying Alfredo's inner world and what he endures mentally, I aimed to help viewers relate to the story on a personal level. The trailer shows the scars left by the war on those who didn’t fight on the battlefront, highlighting that everyone fought in their own way, even if they weren’t seen as heroes. This approach makes the war more relatable and understandable without romanticizing it.
To achieve this, I used a voiceover of Alfredo’s thoughts, reflecting on the events he witnessed. The trailer visually switches between past and present, with various weather conditions metaphorically depicting Alfredo's emotions. This expresses the darkness, but also the hope that lies ahead, conveying the book's message that there is always a future. No matter how heavy the storm has been, the future can be bright.
CREDITS
CAST:
Alfredo – Josiah Samar
Boxer – Dimitar Mostowfi
Voiceover – Rik Brunsveld
CREW:
Concept Creation – Kjettil Gerritsen
Story Author – Els Beerten
Director & Producer – Kjettil Gerritsen
1st Camera Operator – Kjettil Gerritsen
2th Camera Operator – Sam Bogstedt
Gaffer – Jelmer van Son
Editor & Sound Designer – Kjettil Gerritsen
Colorist – Alexander Rambonnet
Behind the Scenes Photographer – Jelmer van Son
CLIENT:
Archeon Thea Beckmanprijs
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Hannah Donker
Joshua Samar
Helga Hogenkamp
Boksschool I Believe Rotterdam
Willem de Kooning Academy
Wim Scharrenberg
Sonematography
