Kauwboy (2012)
A quiet, tender Dutch gem about a boy, a jackdaw, and the fragile courage it takes to nurture something wild.
Kauwboy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kauwboy
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Boudewijn Koole
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Family
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: Dutch
- Spoken Languages: Dutch
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 18, 2012 (Netherlands - 9), November 21, 2012 (France), May 17, 2013 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Kråkeungen (NO), 您您與鴉鴉的搖籃曲 (TW), Kawboy (AQ), Little Bird (FR), O cowboys (GR), Kauwboy - Kleiner Vogel, großes Glück (DE), Kauboj (RS), Jackdaw Boy (UK)
- Production Companies: Waterland Film, The Film Kitchen
- Production Countries: Netherlands
Kauwboy - Plot
A lively young boy befriends and attempts to raise an abandoned baby jackdaw unbeknownst to his choleric and disapproving father.
Kauwboy - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this touching Dutch drama:
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Kauwboy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Boudewijn Koole
Main Cast
- Rick Lens
- Loek Peters
- Susan Radder
- Ricky Koole
- Cahit Ölmez
Writers
- Boudewijn Koole
- Jolein Laarman
Producers
- Jan van der Zanden
- Wilant Boekelman
Kauwboy - FAQs
What is Kauwboy about?
Kauwboy follows Jojo, a spirited young Dutch boy who secretly rescues and raises an abandoned baby jackdaw. The film tenderly explores his bond with the bird against the backdrop of a tense home life shaped by his volatile, disapproving father, weaving themes of loneliness, resilience, and the healing power of connection.
Who are the main actors in Kauwboy?
Kauwboy stars Rick Lens as Jojo, Loek Peters as his father Ronald, Susan Radder as Yenthe, Ricky Koole as July, and Cahit Ölmez as Deniz. Rick Lens delivers a remarkably natural and emotionally resonant performance as the film's young protagonist.
Where can you watch Kauwboy online?
Streaming availability for Kauwboy varies by region and platform. To find the most current viewing options — including subscription services, rental, and purchase — check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across all major platforms in your country.
Who directed Kauwboy and who wrote it?
Kauwboy was directed by Boudewijn Koole, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jolein Laarman. Koole brings a quiet, observational sensitivity to the material, drawing on the natural world and childhood experience to craft an emotionally layered story.
Is Kauwboy based on a true story?
Kauwboy is not based on a specific true story, but it draws on deeply authentic emotional territory. Director Boudewijn Koole crafted an original narrative rooted in the universal experiences of childhood — longing for connection, navigating a difficult parent, and finding solace in an unlikely friendship with a wild creature.
What genre is Kauwboy and what is its runtime?
Kauwboy is a Dutch Drama and Family film with a runtime of 81 minutes. Its compact length suits the intimate, quietly observed story, making it accessible for family audiences while carrying emotional depth that resonates with adult viewers as well.
Did Kauwboy win any awards or critical recognition?
Kauwboy received strong critical praise upon its release and earned recognition on the international festival circuit. The film won the Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation Kplus section, a prestigious award celebrating outstanding cinema for young audiences.
What are some movies similar to Kauwboy?
If you enjoyed Kauwboy, similar films worth exploring include The Return (2003), The Jungle Book (1967), Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (1995), The Triplets of Belleville (2003), and My Neighbor Totoro (1988) — all stories that explore bonds between young protagonists and the natural or animal world.
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