Three Stories. One Mission.

For Stichting Spieren voor Spieren, we created three short films to raise awareness and funds for children with severe muscle diseases. Each story brings the impact of early diagnosis, treatment, and support to life — through the eyes of real families.

The story of Guus aired on national TV and was nominated for the prestigious Gouden Loeki in 2021.

Film 1 — What a Heel Prick Can Change (2025)

Two girls, two different futures. Sola (2) can walk. Elena (4) cannot. The only difference? Timing.

This split-screen film contrasts their lives before and after SMA was added to the national newborn screening. What unfolds is a quiet but powerful reminder of how early diagnosis can change everything — and how Spieren voor Spieren helped make that possible.

Credits
Concept – Moving Portraits, Juliette Stevens & Marius Gottlieb
Director & Producer – Moving Portraits, Juliette Stevens
Director of Photography – Nanko Goeting
Editor – Amber Hooijmans
Sound Mix – Maurits Verwoerd
Colorist – Daphne Maierna, STORM Postproduction

Film 2 — From First Steps to Fading Strength (2025)

Reza has Duchenne, a rare muscle disease that slowly weakens the body.

Through tender home videos, we see his first smile, his first steps, his first bike ride — then, the gradual loss of those same milestones. The film ends with Reza in a wheelchair, a bittersweet portrait of strength and hope, reminding us that while Duchenne is progressive, help can still make a difference.

Credits
Concept – Moving Portraits, Juliette Stevens & Marius Gottlieb
Director & Producer – Moving Portraits, Juliette Stevens
Editor – Amber Hooijmans
Sound Mix – Maurits Verwoerd
Colorist – Daphne Maierna, STORM Postproduction

Film 3 — Guus Makes Waves (2021)

Guus (7) lives with a severe form of SMA. Since starting treatment with Spinraza, his condition has stabilized — and he’s even gained strength.

Told through intimate footage filmed by his mother, the film follows Guus from hospital visits to a powerful milestone: swimming on his own for the first time. It became the heart of a nationwide campaign for faster diagnoses and better treatments for children like Guus.

Credits
Concept – Wefilm Concepts
Creative Director – Roel Welling
Media Director – Rocco Stallvord
Director & Producer – Juliette Stevens
Director of Photography (DOP) – Dennis Lubbers, Juliette Stevens
Editor – Joshua Menco
Music – Jorrit Kleijnen