SHORTS... AND TO THE POINT
ALBERT JAN VAN REES (NAKED)

Let's face it, nudity makes most everyone uncomfortable. And a lot of the time, not in a good way. Of course, if you are a little boy and you happen to accompany your mother to the sauna for the first time, that discomfort is not only increased exponentially, it just might have ramifications for the rest of your life. Albert Jan van Rees' short film, NAKED takes us on that trip to the sauna and forces us to avert our eyes and cope right along side of him, for each awkward and surprising moment.

Was it difficult to get so many people to appear on-camera completely nude? All the people that are naked were extras. The agency for the extras had a lot of work to find people. They also contacted nudist groups. When they heard the story of the film most of them liked the idea and had no problems to act nude.

Did it feel awkward at all being one of the few people in clothes while you were filming? It was really hot in the sauna so the crew only wore bathing suits, so we also were a bit naked. In the beginning it was a bit strange to be among naked people but after a few hours you don't even notice it.

Any issues with splinters on the see-saw? I don't understand this question. You know, because it's made out of uhmm... wood and uhhh, "naked" and... Nevermind.

Anyway, what will happen in the featurelength sequel to NAKED? I think that 'Eric' (the little boy) will go to the sauna and hope that he will see the girl again. When she is not there, he still keeps on dreaming about her. But he will never see her again. He always will think that she is the love of his life. Then 15 years later coincidentally he sees her walking on the street and discover that she isn't really as beautiful as he remembered so now he can be open for other relationships.