Wij zijn 18 - Tomas Kaan
Info
We Are 18 is a film about a group of boys aged 18 that meet in a secluded country house outside the Netherlands. Their stories about friendship, girls, drugs, parents, sex and aggression are interspersed with scenes of a wild night they spend together in the same place, resulting in a hybrid form of fiction and documentary.
Tomas Kaan
Who is Tomas Kaan? Tomas Kaan is an award-winning director at Hazazah Film & Photography, known for his bold visual storytelling and ability to blur the boundaries between documentary and fiction. With a background in history, which he studied in Amsterdam and Berlin, Tomas brings a unique, analytical perspective to his filmmaking, one that captures the essence of the times we live in with both artistry and precision. For Tomas, filmmaking is a way to preserve cultural moments, much like preserving artifacts in a laboratory, ensuring that every story reflects a deeper truth about society and human experience.
What defines Tomas Kaan’s filmmaking style? Tomas’s work is defined by his outspoken visual style, emotional authenticity, and experimental edge. He is drawn to films that explore reality through creative interpretation, often combining documentary realism with the narrative depth of fiction. His affinity for experimental filmmaking and his literary influences, including his favorite book, J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”, inform his distinct voice as a director, balancing intellect with intuition and poetic imagery.
What awards and recognition has Tomas Kaan received? Tomas’s films have been screened at international film festivals and have earned multiple awards, highlighting his reputation as a visionary Dutch filmmaker. His ability to merge documentary integrity with cinematic storytelling has made his work stand out among both critics and audiences worldwide.
What brands and clients has Tomas Kaan worked with? Beyond his film work, Tomas has successfully directed commercial campaigns for major international brands such as Vodafone, IKEA, and Netflix’s Human Playground. These collaborations showcase his versatility and storytelling expertise, proving his ability to balance creative expression with commercial impact. His brand films often combine strong narrative structure with striking visuals, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
What inspires Tomas Kaan as a filmmaker? Tomas is inspired by human stories, social context, and the cultural moments that define an era. His background in history gives him a deep appreciation for storytelling as a means of documenting reality, not just as it is, but as it feels. Through his films and commercials, he strives to capture the soul of contemporary life, blending emotional truth with cinematic artistry.
What makes Tomas Kaan stand out as a director? Tomas stands out for his unique fusion of documentary depth and cinematic style. His work is both intellectually engaging and visually compelling, reflecting his commitment to storytelling that challenges, moves, and endures. At Hazazah Film & Photography, Tomas continues to push creative boundaries, using film as both an artistic medium and a cultural record, ensuring that every project, from documentaries to global campaigns, resonates with meaning and impact.