Nothing to Declare Dutch submission Oscars Short Fictionfilm

The short fiction film Nothing to Declare, directed by Hetty de Kruijf, has been selected to be submitted on behalf of the Netherlands for the upcoming Academy Awards in the category Best Live Action Short Film. The film was chosen by an independent jury of Dutch film professionals.
 
In Nothing to Declare we follow three young refugees in the cargo hold of a truck, on the road to a new future in Europe. During their bizarre journey they share their stories, hopes and dreams. Moments of friendship, warmth and intimacy come together with the gruesome reality. In this twilight zone between a new and an old existence, the question is whether they will reach their final destination. The story of Nothing to Declare is inspired by the life stories of Khales Warrak, Rama Taher and Yazan Al-Hakim, who also play the leading roles in the film.
 
Bastiaan Kroeger wrote the scenario of the film. Julia Rombout (July Film) and Tessa Beijer produced the film together with Joram Willink. Nothing to Declare will have its world premiere at the Dutch Film Festival in Utrecht in September.