Cell Buddies / Celmaatjes / Zaporniška cimra
Melle Windig, Hidde Alberts, Jurgen de Smit, Arjen van der Plas, Miguel Reyes (Sint Joost School of Art & Design)
2025, The Netherlands, 5’11’’
Sam, a grumpy raccoon, is stuck sharing a cell with Bob, a sweet but dim manatee. In their chaotic jailbreak, Sam’s hardened edges soften as Bob’s loyalty shines. Will they escape? Maybe. But together, they’ve already cracked something bigger: trust.
Čemerni rakun Sam je primoran deliti celico s prijazno, a ne preveč bistro morsko kravo po imenu Bob. Med njunim kaotičnim pobegom iz zapora se Samov trdi oklep zmehča, ko se izkaže Bobova neskončna zvestoba. Bosta uspela pobegniti? Morda. A skupaj sta v resnici že odklenila nekaj veliko pomembnejšega: zaupanje.
Language: Dutch
Techique: Puppet animation
Recommended for children under 14 years of age: Yes
Team
Script: Melle Windig, Hidde Alberts, Jurgen de Smit, Miguel Reyes, Arjen van der Plas
Main animation: Melle Windig, Hidde Alberts
Additional Animation: Arjen van der Plas, Jurgen de Smit, Miguel Reyes
Moving storyboard, Voice Sam, Set production, Props painting, Clean up: Melle Windig
Voice Bob, Puppet production, VFX & montage: Hidde Alberts
Set production, Puppet production, Clean up: Arjen van der Plas
Set production, Props production, Sound design, Clean up: Jurgen de Smit
Set production, Props production, Voice Rex, Clean up: Miguel Reyes
Production: Sint Joost School of Art & Design
Distribution: Melle Windig
This stop-motion production was born from a unique collaboration between five young creators: Melle Windig, Hidde Alberts, Miguel Reyes, Jurgen de Smit, and Arjen van der Plas. Coming together during the Stop-motion Animation minor at Sint Joost School of Art and Design (Den Bosch, Netherlands), the team combined their diverse backgrounds in animation, design, and storytelling.. What started as a 3rd-year minor project has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed short film, proving that craftsmanship and a shared sense of wonder can resonate with audiences worldwide. Film (Youth & Children's Competitions): Winner Golden Pony (Audience Award) – Filmfest Dresden, Winner Best Animation (ECFA selection) – Anifest Rozafa, Official Selection 2026 – Zlín Film Festival (International Short Animation Competition), Official Selection – Schlingel & Mo&Friese Hamburg, Global Impact: Over 150 international festival selections in 43 countries to date. Special Recommendation: "Your wonderful film has captured the hearts of our young audience. Thank you again for your fantastic animated film." – Sylke Gottlebe, Festival Director Filmfest Dresden.
Find more: www.instagram.com/cellbuddiesmovie , www.filmfreeway.com/MelleWindig