WFFR - Aap tot aap & Chimps of Fongoli

A two-part series on chimpanzees and the link between animal and human, surrounded by a roundtable discussion led by philosopher Joyce van der Niet.

Ape to Ape. Strong leaders show no emotions. Or do they? In this personal and cinematic quest, filmmaker Meike, together with cognitive psychologist Mariska Kret, discovers that vulnerability can actually be the key to connection. Their research into the evolutionary origins of emotions and leadership leads to chimpanzees, whose social behavior surprisingly sharpens our ideas about power, empathy, and leadership. In the form of a letter to primatologist Frans de Waal, who passed away in 2024, this graduation film shows just how close the bond between humans and apes truly is. What can chimpanzees teach us about leadership, relationships, and ultimately, about ourselves?

Director: Meike Anna Schaapveld Producer: Charlotte Vermeulen & Inez Eltink Country of production: The Netherlands Film length: 20 minutes Year: 2025 Language: Dutch Premiere: European premiere

The Chimps of Fongoli tells the extraordinary story of a group of chimpanzees in Senegal, West Africa. These chimpanzees live on the edge of what is possible for their species: in the hot savannah on the border of the Sahara, one of the most extreme habitats for chimpanzees in the world.

For years, they remained hidden from researchers and were barely observable. That changed when a dedicated research team succeeded in capturing their secret lives. Their behavior proved surprising and unique, offering insights into our own evolutionary history. This fascinating documentary takes you into the lives of the Fongoli chimpanzees and shows how their adaptability helps us better understand where we, as humans, come from.

Director: Oliver Twinch Producer: David Allen & Oliver Twinch Country of production: Great Britain Film length: 50 minutes Year: 2025 Language: English

https://wffr.nl/festival/