Foeksia the Mini Witch (2010)

Directed by: Johan Nijenhuis | 90 minutes | family, fantasy | Actors: Rachelle Verdel, Porgy Franssen, Annet Malherbe, Lorenso van Sligtenhorst, Marcel Hensema, Elvira Out, Chantal Hildering, Melanie Reindertsen, Valerie Pos, Esra Horuz, Eefje Paddenburg, Lauren Schuitemaker

Paul van Loon has been one of the most widely read and acclaimed children’s book authors in the Netherlands for years. Van Loon – who always goes out with dark sunglasses – writes his horror stories (shudder with humour) for children from 7 to 99 years old. His best-known work, ‘De Griezelbus’, was successfully filmed by Pieter Kuypers in 2005. Several of Van Loon’s books lend themselves to a film adaptation, director Johan Nijenhuis also saw. “I read the book ‘Foeksia the mini witch’ to my then three-year-old daughter Eva.” Nijenhuis approached the writer of ‘Foeksia’ with the idea of ​​making a film based on the children’s book. Van Loon was immediately enthusiastic: it had to be a real colorful family film that is also fun for parents. Sander de Regt, known for various children’s films and series such as ‘Kabouter Plop en de toverstaf’ (2003) and ‘De club van Sinterklaas’ (2004), was brought in to write the screenplay: ‘Foeksia’ the film was born.

Foeksia (Rachelle Verdel) is born from an egg, which is found in the forest by the absent-minded wizard Kwark (Porgy Franssen). At first she is tiny, which can be dangerous for a witch. Moreover, she cannot go to the witch school of Miss Minuul (Annet Malherbe) if she does not grow up quickly. Fortunately, wizards can perform miracles; thanks to a magical spell from Kwark, Foeksia will soon be big enough. At the witch school, the curious Foeksia not only gets to know other witches, she also learns the necessary spells. After school she meets Tommie (Lorenso van Sligtenhorst) in the forest, who comes from the human world. Although Kwark has always forbidden her to go to the human world, Foeksia cannot resist the temptation. In the city, she discovers that Tommies uncle Rogier (Marcel Hensema) has nefarious plans: he wants to build a highway through the witch forest. Foeksia and Tommie have to do everything they can to prevent that. They can of course use a little magic!

What is immediately noticeable about ‘Foeksia the mini witch’ is that the film looks beautiful. The witch forest and especially Kwark’s house look magical and intriguing and the effects are well taken care of. A nice find, for example, are the cloud figures that are conjured up by the young witches. The sets by the seasoned designer Harry Ammerlaan (‘The lift’, 1983) can compete with similar foreign productions. The clothes of wizard Kwark – played convincingly and touchingly by Porgy Franssen – and the witches are also well taken care of. Debutante Rachelle Verdel has the right appearance: cheeky, curious and stubborn. Although the handful of musical numbers that pass the revue should not have been necessary, they are performed well by this very young multi-talent, who can call himself world champion of street dance for kids. Annet Malherbe is excellently cast as the swamp witch Minuul, who has a crush on the shy Quark. Maybe the acting is a bit bold here and there (for example with the young witches), but in these kinds of films that doesn’t bother at all. Across the board, the cast scores a big pass, with Franssen, Malherbe and the charismatic Verdel as highlights.

Marcel Hensema, undeniably a good actor, unfortunately comes out a little less well here, but that has everything to do with his one-dimensional character. The storyline around Uncle Rogier, an old-fashioned villain with no human touch at all, could have been left out. Residents who revolt against a ruthless project developer, haven’t we seen that before? Moreover, the perils of Foeksia in the witch’s forest are fascinating enough in themselves. It is the only (small) blemish on an otherwise flawless and entertaining script, which has plenty to offer both children and parents. ‘Foeksia the mini witch’ is a colorful family film, with the right dose of magic, a convincing look and a great cast. A great opportunity to go to the cinema with the whole family during the autumn holidays. Paul van Loon can be proud of this film adaptation.

Incidentally, a film version of ‘Dolfje Weerwolfje’ is also in the making. If that film is made with the same dedication as this one, Van Loon needn’t worry at all.