Read my story behind 'The Cherry Tree'

The Cherry Tree is a personal nine-minute animated film about love, friendship, and separation based on a true story.

It began in 2008 as a technical Rotoscopy experiment at the  Dutch film academy, serving as my graduation assignment in the VFX discipline. At that time, I did not know how to animate.

For nearly six months, I worked tirelessly to refine the storyboards.

I used Wacom Cintiq tablets—to push creative and technical boundaries.

When it came time to animate, I faced a pivotal decision. I chose Rotoscopy, a simple yet expressive technique of tracing live-action silhouettes that even a non-animator like me could use. Though this method is looked down upon for storytelling, I embraced it as a unique way to breathe life into my characters.

In 2010, the 2-minute animation was completed and presented to my academy. It was met with enthusiasm, earning me my diploma. Yet, deep inside, I knew my journey with The Cherry Tree was far from over. I longed to complete the film, but for years, I lacked the ability to do so.

Then, in 2024, after more than a decade of persistence, I finally finished The Cherry Tree with the help of many people lending out a helping hand. What I did not anticipate was the overwhelming  festival response it would receive. The film became a resounding success at international film festivals, especially among young audiences in eastern Europe.

In 2024, The Cherry Tree won 3 international awards—Best Direction, Best Screenplay, and Best Romantic Film. It was a four-time finalist, which has been screened at over 38 international film festivals until the date.

This journey, spanning over 15 years, has been one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in a story on love and distance, (emigration) that deserved to be told.  Because it was my auto biography. The Cherry Tree is more than just a film; it is proof that passion and perseverance can turn a vision into reality.

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