Ape to Ape

Student Films

Sep 15

Synopsis

Filmmaker Meike sits through an experiment to showcase her weaknesses to the camera, and runs it in parallel to the livelihoods of the Chimpanzees. Turns out, her personal insecurities were some of the greatest strengths of the animals. Sometimes, we forget where we come from. This research invites us to feel it.

From the filmmaker

Ever since Meike’s first year at the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht in the Netherlands, her student films have explored the connection between humans and animals. This culminated in her graduation documentary, Ape to Ape, in which she used her scientific specialization and artistic background to address her personal insecurities. Humans sometimes forget where we came from; our shared ancestors with other species, our shared traits and behaviours. Science lets you know how deeply we are connected; film lets you feel it.

Details

Runtime: 21m

Year: 2025

Credits

Director: Meike Schaapveld

Producer: Charlotte Vermeulen, Inez Eltink

Cinematography: Thomas Zeman

Editing: Meike Schaapveld

Sound design: Armani van Engelen (Sound Recordist & Designer), Thom Verbree (5.1 Mix), Cyril Jansen (Foley Artist), Jens Loeven (Music Recording Technician)

Music: Floris Heemskerk