Dungeons & Spectrums
This Dutch short documentary follows Ross, an imaginative 10-year-old on the autism spectrum who finds his own rich inner world far more inviting than the unpredictable, overwhelming demands of everyday life. For Ross, the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons becomes an unexpected bridge to the outside world — a structured space where adventure and imagination meet social reality. Within the game's framework, he slowly learns to relinquish his need for control, opening himself up to genuine interaction and connection with others.
Wout Malestein holds a Master¡¯s in directing and screenwriting from HKU University of the Arts Utrecht. His works, including <RICOCHET>, <HET BELOOFDE LAND>, and the documentary <LIMINAL SPACE>, have screened at major festivals and broadcasters including the Netherlands Film Festival and GoShort. Selected for international development programs such as the TorinoFilmLab, he has drawn attention with his feature project <PARADIJS>, which won the Euregion Film Pitch in 2022.