about us

Of course, this film could never have come to life without all the talented people who contributed their skills and dedication. You can find them acknowledged under the cast and crew section.

Film is a collaborative art form. It brings together a wide range of disciplines, all working toward a shared goal: to achieve the highest possible artistic quality.

More than 70 people contributed to the making of Breaking Walls, including the director, producers, cast, crew, animators, art directors, wardrobe and to keep everyone fuelled a catering team.

While filmmaking is always a team effort, most productions originate from a core idea and the creative vision of a director, sometimes developed in collaboration with a screenwriter or in this case with a visual artist. Here, we introduce the key figures responsible for shaping Breaking Walls: director Jan-Dirk Bouw, lead animator Sverre Fredriksen and the animation team.

Below, you’ll find a short introduction to the makers.


  • Jan-Dirk

    For over a decade Jan-Dirk has devoted his time, energy and passion into researching, writing, directing and realizing this film. As a screenwriter and interdisciplinary filmmaker he’s specialized in hybrid cinema and immersive storytelling, blending animation, documentary, and fiction. 

    His work combines emotional depth with experimental, artistic form and is rooted in strong social engagement.

    Guided by intuition and attuned to societal undercurrents, he explores themes such as identity, freedom, and self-determination, often from the perspective of the outsider.

    For Jan-Dirk, film is more than artistic expression: it is a form of activist art. Breaking Walls embodies his ongoing commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, breaking taboos, and provoking dialogue within social and political contexts.

  • Sverre Fredriksen

    Creating the animation concept, leading the animation & design, as well as compositing the 297 individual shots was in the hands of Sverre Fredriksen. He’s a Norwegian filmmaker & animation artist that started animating his toys at the age of eight - and never stopped.

    More than 30 years later the merit list is too long to count, but he’s the proud art director and lead animator on Breaking Walls!

    Without his devotion, passion and tireless dedication, the film would never have reached the stunning visual result is has today. We are ever so grateful for his artistic vision and input throughout this challenging journey.

  • Sylvie Flamand

    The unique backgrounds with their strong visual signature are created by Sylvie Flamand, a freelance visual storyteller. Ever since she was four, her drawing skills stood out, and she has always been fascinated by the magic of animation. 

    Born in Gent, Belgium, she earned her BA degree in graphic design at LUCA. Over the last 15 years, she collaborated with clients from all over the world, on a wide variety of projects such as games, animated shorts, live drawing.  

    In her free time she’s a mom who enjoys creating with her hands, and with her kids, and managed to balance Breaking Walls in her schedule. Her involvement goes beyond professional, bringing artistic skill and heart into shaping the film.

  • Santiago Pérez

    The special visual signature for the interview scenes was developed and animated by Santiago Pérez Rodigruez. He’s a Colombian artist based in Brussels working across experimental animation, street art, music and sound.

    His work has been shown in festivals and exhibitions around the world. His current artistic research explores poetic interactions between animals, plants, minerals and industrial elements. He is also developing his upcoming short film 'Amalgama' produced by S.O.I.L. productions.

    Coming from a system marked by social and political challenges, Santiago understood the urgency of participating in this film. Translating his background and experience into an artistic signature that emphasizes the protection of the character in the interview scenes.

  • Robin Martens

    Robin Martens worked in close collaboration with Sverre for the masking and setting up the workflow for the majority of the scenes. He’s a freelance multidisciplinary artist from Belgium, focussing on illustration with a passion for animation.

    He graduated in both 3D major arts and 2D visual arts, his love for 2D prevailed and Since 2017 he has been building his freelance career on the believe that illustrations can be more than drawings on paper, from art hanging to a wall itself becoming art.

    His contribution to Breaking Walls provided essential support, helping to bring the project to life.

  • Kjerstin Westbye-Christiansen

    The masking of several scenes was done by Kjerstin Westbye-Christiansen. She’s an Emmy-nominated professional with over 18 years of experience in entertainment and advertising.

    As a freelance editor and producer, she has told stories, built graphics, and guided post-production teams and projects. With a creative eye and a talent for keeping things on track, she’s no stranger to big challenges. Although on Breaking Walls she discovered that masking wasn’t just technical work, it was an important part of the storytelling.