Ref! Replacement!
Tim van Gils
Din is the mid-mid from soccerclub Baardwijk from Waalwijk (The Netherlands). His parents separated three years ago. A period of uncertainty, quarrels and unrest followed. Din remained silent and did not talk about his feelings. Still not. He has never told his parents what this period was like for him. In the movie Ref! Replacement! Din will, with the help of director Tim, also a child of divorced parents and former football player, make clear what was going on in his head when his parents got divorced. Where words are hard to find, soccer takes over. Din is not much of a talker, he prefers to let his feet speak.
Nominated for a Golfen Calf for Best Dutch Short at Dutch Film Festival 2021 – Utrecht
Award: Special diploma of the jury for Disclosure of Theme “Support for teenagers in difficult family circumstances” at II International Film Festival HERO, 2021 – Russia
Where to see in the Netherlands
Netherlands Film Festival Utrecht | competition program Best Dutch Short | 09.2022
IDFA Kinderrechtendag | 11.2021
Cinekid Festival Amsterdam (première) | 10.2021
Dutch Public Television broadcast at EOdocs | 12.12.21
Ref! Replacement! (Scheids! Wissel!) and the seven other youth documentaries within the series “My Parents Are Divorced” can be seen here: Mijn ouders zijn gescheiden – 2Doc.nl
Where to see at International Film Festivals
One World International Human Rights, Prague | 2023
Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival, Warsaw | 2022
Hero, International Film Festival for Children and Youth in Russia | 2022
Impact statement
Numerous screenings of the film have taken place in both cinema and classroom settings for students aged 9 to 12. Following the screenings, the young audiences had the opportunity to engage with a Spoken Word artist. During these sessions, the artist discussed the importance and value of using language to express emotions and personal experiences related to divorce.
Moreover, our collaboration with the Villa Pinedo Foundation marks a pivotal stride forward. By seamlessly integrating the documentary series into a dynamic educational program catering to students, teachers, youth workers, and local authorities, we embark on a transformative journey. These documentaries, rich with authentic narratives, serve as a potent catalyst, igniting conversations that delve into the experiences of children with divorced parents.
The power of these real-life stories lies not just in their emotional resonance, but also in their potential to reshape our society’s understanding of this often-overlooked aspect of family dynamics. By harnessing the films as poignant conversation starters, we aspire to spark a profound shift in how divorced parents and their children are perceived and supported.
In collaboration with Villa Pinedo, we arm our stakeholders with a comprehensive toolkit and a wealth of educational resources. This equips them to facilitate meaningful dialogues and provide invaluable guidance, ultimately empowering these children to navigate the complexities of their circumstances while preserving their innocence. This endeavor isn’t merely about creating awareness—it’s about catalyzing a positive, enduring change in our collective consciousness.