Joshka works as a marketer for club nights and is also active as a DJ. Her life revolves around electronic music and the nightlife.

“My favourite is Rave-L. It’s no surprise that I chose this performance. I’m really curious to see how this piece bridges classical and contemporary music styles.”

With his own company, Mees creates physical music performances. He also enjoys mountain hiking and cooking, with a big passion for fermenting. His guilty pleasures? Tearjerkers and cheap reggaeton.

“My favourite is A Possibility. I’m drawn to this performance because of its sensory aspects. I believe in the power of sound and image, and how they can move us without narrative or explanation. I’m curious to see how we’ll be fully immersed in sound, image, and light here.”

Soufiane made a name for himself with solo performances such as Moroccans Don’t Cry and Volgens mij ben ik een Jood, and became widely known for his roles in Mocro Maffia and iHostage.

“My favourite is When I Saw The Sea. I’m really looking forward to this because it’s a performance by and about women of colour. They share their own pain and that of others, bringing forward stories that are too rarely told.”

As a child, Sonia wanted to be a contortionist or perform on stage, and later dreamt of a career in journalism. Now, she immerses herself in her work, exploring everything Amsterdam has to offer, while connecting the city’s network.

“My favourite is Qaqnas. Many elements of this performance appeal to me: the all-female cast and the important theme of what women’s freedom means in our society. I also find it remarkable that the performance was created with Naaz and is performed entirely in Kurdish. It’s a topical theme relevant for women and men of all ages, but I think it will especially resonate with young people. A performance you don’t want to miss at this festival!”

Kiriko makes documentaries, arranges flowers, hosts lavish dinners, and is passionate about food. She loves putting things in her mouth: tomatoes, words, body parts, opinions, secrets…

“My favourite is Salukat. It’s a meeting of worlds I want to dive into.”

Pete Wu is a journalist, writer, and documentary maker. He debuted with De Bananengeneratie, made the VPRO series Pete en de Bananen, and writes about identity, culture, and media. Since 2025, he has been part of the HF Young Circle.

“The rave performance Holobiont seems like an intensely immersive experience, with the bodily anarchism that queer spaces allow so richly: you can dance, you can watch, but you can also simply let it happen.”

Alongside her work at IMC Weekendschool and OORZAKEN, Cadisha enjoys starting her own creative projects. This year, she focuses on photography, audio, and jewellery. The Holland Festival is a place where she allows herself to be surprised by the diverse programme, gain new creative insights, and meet new, inspiring people.

“My favourite is Mirage. It seems like a unique experience where the dancers take you on a journey through the desert, showing the most beautiful movements and visuals, almost as if hallucinating after drinking from a forbidden cactus.”

As a host and DJ at Echobox Radio and as MC at Super-Sonic Jazz, Joygail moves between radio, live shows, and festivals. When not on stage, he enjoys performing karaoke with full energy. Go-to song: Man’s Not Hot.

“My favourite is – what’s in a name? – Atomic Joy. I personally believe that activism takes many forms, and joy through art is one of the strongest. The combination of Ana Pi’s Brazilian roots and her current home in Paris makes me curious to see how this is expressed by the group.”