Private Project

Dad = (not) Bad

Alias is a small figure who dares to ask big questions. He is brought to life by a boy using scissors, glue and a lot of imagination. The boy wants to tell his story, but without others knowing who he is. His dad did something wrong and is in prison. Together, Alias and the boy go in search of answers. Is dad bad? Is feeling sorry enough? And when will dad come home?

  • Petronella Van der Hallen
    Director
  • Sébastien Segers
    Producer
  • Zaïde Bil
    Producer
  • Jonathan Wannyn
    Cinematography
  • Febe Simoens
    Editing
  • Alejandro Rivas Cottle
    Composer
  • Gillis Van Der Wee
    Sound design
  • Studio Zwendel
    Animation
  • Emmy Storm
    Animation
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Papa = (g)een Boef
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary
  • Genres:
    childhood, prison, criminality, family
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 13, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Belgium
  • Country of Filming:
    Belgium
  • Language:
    Dutch
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Jeugdfilmfestival 2026
    Antwerp
    Belgium
    February 14, 2026
    World première
  • Docville 2026
    Leuven
    Belgium
    Belgian première
Distribution Information
  • JEF
    Distributor
    Country: Belgium
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Petronella Van der Hallen

Petronella Van der Hallen directed the film Papa = (g)een boef, a project within the framework of Ket & Doc, an initiative of VAF, VRT Ketnet and JEF.
Her work focuses on the situation of children with an incarcerated parent. She has made three films within the prison system, collaborating with inmates and their children to tell their stories. She believes that storytelling is a means for these children to gain agency over their own lives and to look at their situation differently. Her motivation stems from her own experience with the feeling of carrying shame without guilt.

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