Short Film
Hif
Directed by 
Daan Swinkels
AFIN 2023 Finalist
- 2023
- 30m
-
Netherlands - Dutch
Stills
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Cinematography
Editing
Music & Sound
Synopsis
Hif (2023) is a short film (absurdist comedy) that explores the impact of a criminal struggling with hypochondriac thoughts. The story is about Mike, a hot-tempered hypochondriac who works in crime. Mike attends an hypochondria anonymous meeting for the umpteenth time and talks about his fear of HIV and the countless ways it can be transmitted. Since the hypochondria anonymous meeting does not receive enough funding, they rent a location that is also rented by other parties, such as a carnival band. The band starts playing while the hypochondria anonymous meeting is still in progress, and Mike gets into a fight with them, resulting in him getting hit on the head with a tuba and sustaining a serious wound on his forehead.
After the meeting, Mike receives a call from his boss (Henk) and is told to come immediately to an isolated warehouse. Upon arrival, he is tasked with torturing a criminal named Howard to find out where the thing is that Henk wants. A cat-and-mouse game arises in which Howard tries to manipulate Mike because of his fear of infection, which ultimately escalates into an unsustainable situation.
Director's Statement
As a filmmaker, I strive to tell stories that are close to my heart and reflect the struggles I encounter in life. Through an absurdist lens, I aim to shed light on these topics and explore them in a unique way. This film is a reflection of that approach, as life itself can often be absurd. Personally, from my childhood I struggled with OCD and hypochondriac thoughts. That's why this film is close to me as I myself have been afraid of HIV. It was an irrational fear, but I convinced myself that I had it. I kept googling and recognizing more symptoms. I incorporated this experience into the film Hif. Because of my passion for comedy and film, I wanted to combine them and integrate the feeling of fear and paranoia that I felt into this story.
What makes this one special
- 3 awards at other festivalsAdria Shorts · Heart Of Europe International Monthly Film Festival (HEI) · Hercules Independent Film Festival
- Programmed at 13 other festivalsAcross 9 countries
- One of just 3 films from Netherlands across eight seasons
- A first-time filmmaker
Also selected at
3 awards, 1 nomination, 9 official selections across 13 other festivals
- WinnerAdria Shorts
- WinnerHeart Of Europe International Monthly Film Festival (HEI)
- WinnerHercules Independent Film Festival
- NomineeRome Prisma Film Awards
- SelectionFilmfestival Nacht van het witte doek
- SelectionLebanese independent film festival
- SelectionMontgomery international film festival
- SelectionNòt Film Fest
- SelectionSerbest International Film Festival (SIFF)
- SelectionThe Atlantis Awards
- SelectionBut Film Festival
- SelectionChain NYC Film Festival
- SelectionThokoza film festival
Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.
Director's Biography
Daan Swinkels Director
Daan Swinkels (27) is a director from Helmond, Netherlands. He is the owner of a video production company where he is an all-rounder, involved in the entire process of creating successful productions. He has also brought this expertise to the making of his short film. In 2018, he graduated from the Audiovisual Production program at Sint Lucas in Eindhoven. At a young age, he knew he wanted to be a filmmaker, inspired by the impact films had on him. His passion lies in making comedy and film.
Placings
Recognised in these categories at AFIN 2023, as announced that season.
- Best Director Honorable Mention
- Best Actor Finalist