Arne Toonen is set to direct Gozert, the six-part family series produced by Fiction Valley in collaboration with the VPRO. The series is based on the acclaimed book of the same name by Pieter Koolwijk and will air in 2028 on NPO Zapp and NPO Start.
About Gozert
Ties has a problem. At least, that is what most people think, because according to them his best friend Gozert exists only in his imagination. When Ties is sent to Huize Hoopvol to finally become “normal”, a wild and imaginative adventure begins in which Ties and his fellow residents do everything they can to save Gozert – and themselves.
About Arne Toonen
Arne Toonen is a director and screenwriter. He made his feature-film debut in 2010 with Dik Trom, followed by films including Black Out, De Boskampi’s and Baantjer het Begin. De Boskampi’s won both the jury prize and the audience award at Cinekid in 2015 and was selected for Sundance. Toonen has also worked on international productions such as Van der Valk and Safe Harbor. In 2025, he directed half of the VPRO youth series Hein, which won a Golden Calf at the 2026 Netherlands Film Festival. Toonen is known for his distinctive visual style, strong sense of rhythm and humour, and his fondness for layered outsiders.
About Pieter Koolwijk
Pieter Koolwijk made his breakthrough in children’s literature with his books about Vlo and Stiekel. His subsequent books include Bens Boot, Baas van de wereld, Prutje, Gozert, Luna, De trollen van Leif, Missie afbreken and Foutje? Echt niet!. Gozert was awarded the Gouden Griffel in 2021.
Gozert is being made possible in part by a contribution from the NPO Fund.
