In Anthony Schatteman’s tender 16-minute short Kiss Me Softly, music becomes both a weight of expectation and a pathway to self-discovery. The film follows Jasper (Ezra Fieremans), the son of a well-known schlager singer, who longs not just to inherit the family legacy, but to express it in a way that feels true to himself. It’s a familiar generational clash—tradition against individuality—but Schatteman infuses it with the intimacy of queer awakening.
Fieremans carries Jasper with a mix of quiet restraint and smouldering vulnerability. His performance hints at the complexity of growing up in the shadow of someone else’s stage, while harbouring a desire to step into the spotlight on his terms. Tim Bogaerts offers a grounded counterpoint, bringing warmth and sensitivity to the role of Jasper’s love interest. Their chemistry provides the film’s most affecting moments: unspoken touches, fleeting glances, and the courage found in a kiss.
Marijke Pinoy, as the mother, delivers a gentle but firm portrayal of familial expectation—never villainous, but still bound by tradition. Her presence adds texture to the story, reminding us that pressure often comes from love, even if misplaced.
Visually, the film is sleek and atmospheric, balancing the bright artifice of the schlager world with the softer, more natural palette of Jasper’s private life. Schatteman’s direction avoids melodrama, instead capturing a tone of quiet rebellion. At its heart, Kiss Me Softly is not just about claiming a song, but about claiming identity—the courage to love, to sing, and to exist authentically.
Though short, the film lingers long after its closing note. It’s a love letter to the act of living truthfully, and a reminder that even within the most glittering traditions, there’s always room for a new voice.
Director – Anthony Schatteman
Writer – Anthony Schatteman
Stars – Ezra Fieremans, Tim Bogaerts, Marijke Pinoy
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