Fantastic Fest Photos: The Dutch Invasion

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Dutch Filmmakers at Fantastic Fest 2012

The Norwegians may have landed at Fantastic Fest with world premieres of the television series Hellfjord and the documentary The Exorcist in the 21st Century, as well as the North American premiere of Øystein Karlsen's feature directorial debut Fuck Up, but it was the Dutch who left a lasting impression with their film offerings featured in this year's "No Clogs or Tulips" Dutch spotlight.

Several filmmakers and cast members of films premiering at this year's fest traveled to Austin from the Netherlands, including Fantastic Fest 2011 Best Director awardwinner Steffen Haars (New Kids Nitro) -- seen above second from left with director/writer Arne Toonen (Black Out), fellow New Kids Nitro cast members Wesley Van Gaalen and Huub Smit and writer/director Max Porcelijn (Plan C). New Kids Nitro was awarded the Jury Prize for Best Film in the 2012 Fantastic Fest Awards. See more photos after the jump.

Writer/Director Arne Toonen of BLACK OUTDirector/writer Arne Toonen (above) spoke candidly about his dark crime comedy Black Out during the Q&A after the film's premiere. Black Out was the first film I saw during Fantastic Fest this year and was firmly rooted in my top three favorite films for this year's festival. Despite its rather basic premise, Black Out is a wickedly funny film -- read my review.

Todd Brown with Filmmaker Max Porcelijn of PLAN CTwitch founder/editor and Fantastic Fest Director of International Programming Todd Brown hosted several  Q&A's for international films, such as the above with writer/director Max Porcelijn who premiered his first feature film Plan C at Fantastic Fest. Much like Black Out, the tone of Plan C is reminiscent of the 2010 Norwegian film A Somewhat Gentle Man but not quite as engaging despite its more humorous moments.

[Photo credits: "Arne Toonen, Steffen Haars, Wesley Van Gaalen,Huub Smit and Max Porcelijn," "Arne Toone Q & A," "Todd Brown with Max Porcelijn." All photos by Debbie Cerda, all rights reserved, available for use by request and with accreditation.]